Katherine Abayomi.
The people of Ogoni in Rivers State continue to endure the devastating consequences of decades-long oil pollution, even as fresh revelations expose massive fraud and mismanagement of funds intended for their development and environmental restoration.
It has been alleged that the sum of $300 million was paid by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) under the formal GMD NNPCL MELE KYARI as compensation to the Ogoni people for Oil Mining Lease (OML) 11, which was diverted by the previous administration of the Rivers State Government in collaboration with certain individuals claiming to represent Ogoni interests.
President of Ogoni Liberation Initiative, Dr Douglas Fabeke, speaking to the press, stated that the organisation’s leadership was deeply involved in a case that led to the victory of the Federal Government through NNPCL over Shell through the Supreme Court.
Douglas lamented the organisational efforts between the two Organisations and consultations with different oil-bearing Communities to withdraw all cases against the Government and shell from the Court, whose records and resolutions were all submitted to the Former GMD National (NNPCL) Mele Kyari. This was done after the Supreme Court’s victory with promises by the past GMD NNPCL Mele Kyari, but he stated that there has been no result to date.
” Several meetings were held in Lagos and Abuja on how to peacefully resolve and manage all the Ogoni Communities for a successful business and development/restoration of the Ogoni Communities. One of the highest events was held in Bori Ogoni. The Ogoni People gathered in their thousands to welcome the NNPCL after the victory in the Supreme Court. Promises were made through the combined management of the GMD NPDC AND NNPCL; none of those promises were fulfilled. “
Douglas revealed that the former administration of the Rivers State Government has repeatedly claimed that it negotiated and reached a settlement with Ogoni communities regarding this compensation, but to date, the government has failed to provide any evidence of the communities it engaged or a settlement agreement. This shows the government’s lack of transparency and reinforces the belief that no such settlement ever took place, and the funds have been misappropriated.
President Ogoni Liberation Initiative, Dr Douglas mentioned the Misappropriation of $1 billion allocated by the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) for the environmental clean-up of Ogoni land, with no tangible progress on the project.
It was also discovered that the companies contracted for that exercise were not qualified, with 9 transactions done in batches from the $366 million linked to the Ogoni Trust Fund account.
There is also a revelation that over 27 billion Naira was used for HYPREP’s water project in some communities. Investigation and evidence reveal that substandard materials (pipes) were used, making the water unsuitable for drinking, as proved by the test.
The group stated that letters to the Minister of Environment, Mallam Balarabe Abbas Lawal, have been sent to draw his attention to this unfortunate incident, but these attempts have proved abortive.
They call for full accountability and transparency from the NNPCL and the Rivers State government on the $300 million compensation. They also want to investigate this case, check the handover activities of OML11 of Shell to NNPCL, and find out what agreement was made on behalf of the Communities by the office of the president of Nigeria.
That Mr Tinubu, the President of Nigeria, should set up an independent investigation into the diversion of these funds and hold those responsible accountable.
A forensic audit of HYPREP’s spending was conducted to determine how the $366 million meant for the cleanup of Ogoni land had been utilised.
For an Immediate and genuine engagement with the Ogoni people to ensure justice, proper compensation, and an effective cleanup of our polluted lands.
They also demand a total restructuring of HYPREP to enhance its effectiveness and performance, which would benefit the communities.
The renaming of HYPREP to Ogoni Restoration Authority, as recommended by the UNEP report.
A Dissolution of the Governing Council and the Board of Trustees of HYPREP and the Setting up of a technical committee to probe the financial and procurement engagement of HYPREP from 2016 to date.
Douglas stated that the president should look into the Exoneration of the Late Ken Saro and eight others who made the painful sacrifice for a better environment and our economic freedom.
“Mr. President, our address today is focused strictly on the $300 million by NNPCL and the Ogoni Environmental Challenges. When this is addressed, it will lead us into other successful activities in Ogoni in collaboration with the Federal Government , such as the oil resumption and the Economic development of the Ogoni people as recommended in the Ogoni Bill of Rights.
“We wish to re-affirm our confidence in you as our President and your renew Hope Agenda. It is our desire and interests of the entire Ogoni people would find fulfilment under your able Leadership and Agenda. We shall also go extra mile to mobilize support and play positive role for the success of your administration and the Unity of Nigeria.”
He further calls on the Anti-corruption agencies and the international community to intervene and ensure justice is served for the Ogoni people.
