The Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People in the United States of America (MOSOP-USA), has called on the Federal Government to immortalize foremost environmentalist, Kenule Saro-Wiwa and eight other Ogonis who were hung to death on November 10, 1995.
MOSOP-USA, in a communique made available to The Explainer also called on the Federal Government to declare November 10 every year as a public holiday to mark the extra judicial killing of the activist.
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The communique, which was signed by the President of the organization, Elder Augustine DineBari Kpuinen and two others, said the people of Ogoni remain committed to the Ogoni Bill of Rights (OBR) submitted to the Federal Government on October 2, 1990.
The communique read in part: “That we call on the Federal Government of Nigeria to immediately exonerate and immortalize these brave men who were unjustly executed without any fair judicial process on November 10, 1995.
That the government should declare November 10 every year as a public holiday in Nigeria in support of human rights and justice. The day should be declared Human Rights Day in Nigeria.”
On the Ogoni Bill of Rights, the group said the document remains relevant till date as it addresses all facets of the Ogoni people’s demands for environmental restoration, economic advancement, and self-determination.
“MOSOP-USA has observed that herdsmen with cattle are destroying Ogoni farms, raping our women, kidnapping and killing Ogoni people, and destroying Ogoni forests and vegetation. MOSOP-USA is calling on the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Rivers State Government to take immediate steps aimed at withdrawing herdsmen and their cattle from Ogoni farms and villages.
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“After using our mineral resources for 64 years to develop other parts of the nation, leaving Ogoni in a heavily polluted environment with the worst drinking water in the world according to the United Nations Environmental Program (UNEP) Report, it is inconceivable and heartless to still use our land as a grazing field for cattle.
The group continued: “MOSOP-USA cannot stand watching our women being raped and killed, food and crops, forests and vegetation being used as feed for cattle grazing. MOSOP-USA believes that it is the primary responsibility of the government to provide electricity, clean water, good roads, hospitals, educational institutions, and security to Ogoni if Ogoni is still considered part of Nigeria.
The group called on the Federal Government be quick about its promise to connect the entire Ogoniland to the national grid, especially as Ogoni is presently in total darkness notwithstanding being the host of the Afam Power Station.
“We urge governments at all levels to immediately embark upon measures to make life livable by bringing clean pipe-borne water, hospitals, educational institutions; skills acquisition, and employment schemes for youths and women, good roads and security for the Ogoni people.”