Read Ogoni Star online: www.mosop.org Niger Delta Report: Ethnic Nationalities to Protest Non- Implementation in Abuja

VOICE OF NIGER DELTA PEOPLE Vol. 11, No 4. May 13 - 26, 2010 ISSN 2006-2389 N100.00 Another Shell Major Pipeline Fire Ravages Ogoni Farm Lands Shell Soldiers Murder Another Ogoni Youth - MOSOP Faults JTF Claim

Recent Oil Pipeline Fire in Gokana, Ogoniland MOSOP Petitions Oil Dev. In UN Over Planned N’Delta has Military Barracks Failed - Prof. Ibeanu US Faults Nigeria’s Anti-Corruption Crusade 2 News Ogoni Star May 13 - 26, 2010 applicants outside the Commission’s premises, said INEC Recruitment: Police Assault Applicants opportunity was opened for d i s c o v e r e d t h a t t h e everyone that applied for the … As Graduates Keep Vigil at PH Office Commission went ahead to job to be interviewed, but he however pleaded that his staff l a n s b y t h e Harcourt. members of the public, the horsewhip and teargas. conduct interview sessions by 8pm penultimate Monday. be allowed to go home as it Independent National The applicants, made up Commission had deliberately Others told Ogoni Star was already late. electoral Commission of mainly graduates, besieged refuse to publish the full list of that the INEC officials only The protesting applicants P said they were calling on the H e f u r t h e r e d t h a t (INEC) to fill existing the Port Harcourt office of the those shortlisted for the job allow those they know access applicant's should go home vacancies in readiness for the Commission, accusing its that were to be interviewed. into the premises for the National Assembly and the Federal Government to and take a good night rest as it f o r t h c o m i n g n a t i o n a l officers of been high handed The Commission rather interview. was unwise for them to be elections in 2011 seem to and bias in the recruitment d e v i s e d a m e a n s o f They furthered that for investigate the on-going recruitment exercise by passing the night outside the have hit a stumbling block. process. conducting secret interviews three days they have not Commission’s premises. This follows as crisis, Our reporter gathered b e f o r e w i n d o f t h e taking their bath, and they INEC. H o w e v e r , w h e n Ogoni Star reliably chaos and confusion that from some of the applicants h a p p e n i n g s s p r e a d t o have been keeping watch at gathered that the electoral trailed the exercise after who spoke on conditions of applicants which was the the INEC office, because contacted on the issues, INEC's Resident Electoral body is seriously occupied trouble brook-out between anonymity that although reason why the applicant's after they were deceived that with the task of engaging men of the Nigerian Police INEC had given wide protested peacefully before there was no interview going Commissioner for Rivers State, Barr. Austine Okojie, more hands in a bid to boost Force drafted to the INEC publicity to its advertorial INEC officials called in the on in the commissions its staff strength in readiness office and applicants in Port calling for application from police to disperse them with p r e m i s e s , t h e y l a t e r who rather chosed to address the over 5,000 protesting for the 2011 elections. he Movement for the Survival of the TO g o n i P e o p l e MOSOP Petitions UN over Planned Military (MOSOP) has petitioned military facility, in flagrant Pyagbara. the United Nations over Barracks in Ogoni By Kelvin Ebiri violation of the provisions He explained that proposed plan by the Rivers of the United Nations mangrove forest depletion State Government to and food sovereignty, 9th Session at the United of the state. c u l t u r a l a u t o n o m y , Nations Headquarters, New MOSOP said it is Declaration on the Rights of and disappearance, which is r e l o c a t e t h e 2 n d I n d i g e n o u s P e o p l e s as a result of several human- A m p h i b i o u s B r i g a d e economic security, job York by its International saddening that whilst s e c u r i t y a n d w o u l d Advocacy Officer, Legborsi humanity is grappling with particularly articles 3, 26, 30 driven activities, especially, headquarters in Port and 32 of the Declaration. the massive oil pollution in Harcourt to Ogoni area. definitely impact their Saro Pyagbara. ways of dealing with the s t r u g g l e s t o r e d u c e T h e R i v e r s S t a t e scourge of climate change Pyagbara pointed out the Niger Delta, is not only a M O S O P s a i d t h e that the Niger Delta threat to the people's project not only has serious emissions. Government had announced by seeking for better means The Ogoni group's last year that it intended to of protecting forests and inhabited by a large belt of collective survival but also a implications for Ogoni indigenous communities is threat to the climate. environmental security but petition was presented to the r e l o c a t e t h e 2 n d embarking on forestation United Nations Permanent A m p h i b i o u s B r i g a d e p r o g r a m m e s , s o m e also home to the country's MOSOP said there is at also has vast implications stretch of mangrove forest. present no known law and on the people's food security Forum on Indigenous Issues headquarters to Ogoni area countries like Nigeria are working in a different According to him, Nigeria strategies of biodiversity direction. has the third largest conservation covering NDE to Partner Local Councils "Since last year, the mangrove forest in the mangrove forest protection Rivers State Government in world, and the largest in in Nigeria. Yet, the forest Nigeria had proposed the Africa, covering an area of remains one of the greatest on Youth Empowerment building of a huge military approximately 105,000 assets of indigenous peoples h e N a t i o n a l N a t i o n a l O p e n cannot carter for the training barrack facility in the Ogoni hectares. and their lives and well- D i r e c t o r a t e o f Apprenticeship Scheme of all the youths in the territory. Large hectares of The Niger Delta, which being are tied to the TEmployment (NDE) (NOAS) in Port Harcourt. country. land and forests are to be is the home to the largest wellbeing of their land and has expressed it willingness He said while over 3,000 Engr. Nwachukwu said seized from local people for proportion of the mangrove forests. to enter into partnership with the programme is targeted at youths are to be trained at this project, yet nothing forest in the country, "There is no doubt that i n d i v i d u a l s a n d l o c a l present under the scheme, the solving the unemployment concerning the project had according to him, is in the coming years, our government councils willing NDE will appreciate the problem in the country. been discussed extensively currently reported to be the forests are going to be under to empower the youths in creation of more chances for He encouraged the most exploited in the world increasing focus and their constituencies and local youths yet to be trained youths to be dedicated to with the Ogoni people, our free, prior and informed b a s e d o n F o o d a n d discussions as we grapple government areas. through the provision of funds learning their choosen trade Agriculture Organisation, with the effects of climate N D E D i r e c t o r o f and sponsorship of training rather than just been consent have not been FAO, of the United Nation's change and the realisation Training Services, Port interested in the stipends that sought and no impact programmes by Local report in 1997. Harcourt Office, Engr. John Government Councils, will be paid to them during the assessment had been done" that our forests hold some of “Recent satellite-based Nwachukwu, stated this Senators or even other training as the opportunity said Pyagbara the keys for mitigating the during the orientation government agencies as the must be well utilized. He said despite Ogoni's study on the Niger Delta has impacts of this catastrophe", ceremony for training in The Federal Government alone protests and petitions, they found that between the Pyagbara declared. have been reliably informed periods 1986 to 2003, over MOSOP urged the that the government had 21,000 hectares of the United Nations to prevail on Gokana People Lament concluded plans to still go mangrove forest in the the Nigerian government to ahead with this project region has disappeared. The develop a coherent policy Torture by Soldiers there is no crisis in Kpor, or which would lead to the study was conducted by o n m a n g r o v e f o r e s t Dere Communities and destruction of forests and Nigeria's National Space protection and rejuvenation he People of Kpor, K- man) who gave his name as wondered by even elderly confiscation of lands for the Research and Development in line with the provisions of Dere and B. Dere Friday Barida, said while he men and women, including purpose of building the Agency (NASRDA) in t h e U n i t e d N a t i o n s TCommunities of is not disputing the fact that n u r s i n g m o t h e r s a n d conjunction with the Declaration on the Rights of Gokana Local Government the presence of the JTF was pregnant women will be University of Missouri in Contd From Page 3 Indigenous Peoples. Area have expressed their for security in the area, the treated so unfairly by the the United States," said worry over the continues idea of people on boarding soldiers. torture of their natives and their bikes before crossing “Is this what the military Shell Soldiers Murder Another Ogoni Youth other road users by men of the check point is another want to do in Ogoni if they T h e y p a r t i c u l a r l y the Military Joint Task Force form of torture used by the are brought here?” the angry b e c o m e a p e r s i s t e n t statement on Mr. Lemon’s appealed to MOSOP not to (JTF) stationed on the military to punish the O k a d a r i d e r s a s k e d development in Ogoni, death which portrays a large relent its effort in seeing that Kpor/Dere/Mogho road. Gokana people as it was not inquisitively. noting that it would ensure chunk of falsehood. justice prevail in the matter. Concerned natives who obtainable anywhere in They said they are that justice prevails in the MOSOP also faulted narrated their experiences to Rivers State, not even in Jos, calling on the Federal and matter. the claims that the youth It would be recalled that Ogoni Star Correspondent Plateau where hundreds of Rivers State governments to MOSOP also faulted were engaging in bunkering since 1993 when the Ogonis said situations where people were recently order the dismantling of the and described the statement activities at the site when embarked on a non-violent passengers and commercial slaughtered in a religious roadblock as there is no state c r e d i t e d t o t h e J T F that particular oil well had protest against Shell's motor cycle operators were crisis. of emergency in Gokana. Spokesman, Col. Timothy b e e n d o r m a n t , n o t activities in their area, asked to onboard and walk Others who spoke under W h e n O g o n i S t a r Antigah as a blatant lie. It producing over decades. beginning with the shooting on foot for about 400 meters conditions of anonymity reporter visited the scene wondered if someone Meanwhile, the family and killing of Mr. Friday at the JTF mounted road accused the Gokana Local Sunday evening road users running away from danger members of Mr. Bariara A g b a r a t o a t D e e y o r block in front of the Gokana Government authorities of were seen coming down their spot can ever be shot from Lemon have called on the community in Gokana, Shell Council Secretariat at Kpor been the brain behind the bike before passing the the front rather than the civil society organisations, g u a r d s h a v e k i l l e d was worrisome and needs to unfair treatment melted out check point. back, arguing that JTF has governments and relevant thousands of Ogoni youths be checked before it gets out to the road users particularly, The Local Government just succeeded in telling the authorities to assist them get including Mr. Barinaadaa of hand. the people of Kpor and Dere Chairman could not be world again that it was paid justice as all efforts made so Keeloo of K. Dere, and the A Commercial Motor Communities. reached before filing in this to execute some shady deals far have indications of no most recent the killing of Mr. Cycle Operator (Okada They furthered that report. in Ogoni Land base on its hope. Bariara Vurasi Lemon. Cover 3 Ogoni Star May 13 - 26, 2010 o r g a n i z a t i o n w h i c h expressed worry over the Shell Soldiers Murder Another Ogoni Youth reckless manner at which taken to an unknown Development Company Shell's sponsored soldiers - MOSOP Faults JTF Claim destination by the soldiers. (SPDC) working at well 4, have continued to kill Ogoni oldiers hired by the 2010 at Oil well 4, Bomu youths on method of sharing The community people Bomu oilfield in Gokana people, said it is calling on S h e l l P e t r o l e u m Oilfield operated by SPDC. the food packs attracted the wondered why the soldiers local government area of the government and other SD e v e l o p m e n t O g o n i S t a r attention of the armed had to shoot into the midst of Rivers State. relevant authorities to Company (SPDC) to protect Correspondent gathered that guards who swooped on the the youths if they have no MOSOP, which said it ensure that the culprits do its staff working at well 4, Mr. Bariara Lemon was youths, tortured some of h i d d e n a g e n d a t o received with utmost not go unpunished in the Dere community have among a group of B.Dere them and in the process, mercilessly kill the Ogonis, bitterness the news of the case of Mr. Lemon as murdered another Ogoni Community youths engaged while attempting to run the source queried. shooting and killing of experienced in several other youth, Mr. Bariara Vurasi at the “well corking and away from the soldiers M e a n w h i l e , t h e another Ogoni youth, Mr. previous cases. Lemon. killing” project site by brutality, Mr. Bariara Lemon Movement for the Survival Bariara Lemon, a School M O S O P, i n t h e Ogoni Star reliably SPDC workers and was was shot dead by the of the Ogoni People Certificate holder, in a statement, also called on g a t h e r e d f r o m a n given some food items to soldiers. (MOSOP) has condemned statement issued and made other rights organizations eyewitness account that Mr. share to other youths. Community sources the killing of Mr. Bariara available to Ogoni Star, said and the international Bariara Vurasi Lemon, aged Trouble was reported to also told Ogoni Star that Mr. Vurasi Lemon by a team of it views the incident as community to rise against 20, an indigene of B.Dere have started when a minor L e m o n ' s c o r p s e w a s soldiers attached to some callous and cruel. these actions that have Community was shot dead disagreement among the immediately picked up and staff of Shell Petroleum T h e O g o n i a p e x Contd on Page 2 at noon Tuesday April 13, Niger Delta Report: Ethnic Nationalities to Protest Non thnic Nationalities in the Niger Delta and Implementation in Abuja - Set Up Action C'ttee other stakeholders credible road map for E This resolution was have resolved to embark on of the Ogoni People, resolution of the Niger in the area and to other key contained in a communiqué w i t h I n t e r n a t i o n a l a mass protest in the Federal MOSOP. Delta crisis. stakeholders in the country. issued in Warri at the end of Standards. Capital Territory, Abuja The ethnic groups in the T h e c o n f e r e n c e In very strong terms, the an Ethnic Nationalities' It would be recalled that d e m a n d i n g t h e f u l l Niger Delta had noted with observed that there was conference urged various Awareness Conference on in its quest to make this implementation of the d i s m a y , t h e n o n need to urgently fashion out groups not to relent in the Report of the Technical report available to peoples recommendations in the implementation of salient a credible framework to carrying out viable and Committee on the Niger of the region and to report of the Technical recommendations of the pressurise the various levels practicable advocacy Delta organized by the galvanize various groups to Committee on the Niger Ledum Mitee led committee of government to act on the p r o g r a m m e s f o r t h e Movement for the Survival a d v o c a t e f o r t h e Delta. which they said represent a report. implementation of the implementation of the For the success of the reports as well as charging T C N D r e p o r t , t h e Planned Day of Action in each nationality group, Movement for the Survival Another Shell Major Abuja, the Niger Delta Faith based organization of the Ogoni People, Ethnic Nationalities had a n d s o c i a l g r o u p t o MOSOP, commenced its urgently set up an ethnic undertake to disseminate the sensitization and awareness Pipeline Fire Ravages N a t i o n a l i t i e s ' content of the report to all initiative with a Civil Representative Forum m e m b e r s o f t h e i r Society organization Ogoni Farm Lands A c t i o n C o m m i t t e e community as well as roundtable discussion and principally to work out sensitizing them. E t h n i c N a t i o n a l i t i e s - MOSOP Calls for urgent Clean Up, Relief Materials modalities for the protest on While acknowledging Conference on the report in ollowing a massive reserves, economic trees Already, sources told the implementation of the M O S O P ' s e f f o r t s i n Uyo, Akwa-Ibom. pipeline fire which e t c i n t h e a ff e c t e d the newsmen that a Joint TCND recommendation. reproducing and making the While participants for ravaged the Trans- communities of Bomu Oil Investigation team had T h e c o n f e r e n c e TCND Report available to the Warri Conference were F therefore called on each the various peoples in the drawn from Delta, Edo, and Niger-pipeline in oil Field. been set up with members C o m m u n i t y B a s e d region at the grassroots, the bearing communities in “The inferno which d r a w n f r o m S h e l l , B a y e l s a S t a t e , t h e Organization (CBO) and forum also commended the Gokana area of Ogoni started on Tuesday also Department of Petroleum Conference in Uyo had ethnic groups in the region Ogoni Movement for such participants from Cross land, Rivers State last caused series of spill into Resources and the Rivers to thoroughly sensitize their laudable initiative and River and Akwa-Ibom. week, the Movement for farmlands, forest area, and s t a t e M i n i s t r y o f respective grass root on the Cordaid for the support in S p e a k i n g t o o u r the Survival of the Ogoni in the mangrove areas, Environment. significant aspects of the mass producing the report. correspondent, the MOSOP People, MOSOP, has while no fewer than seven Our team who again report and the need to O n t h e A m n e s t y officer in charge of the called on Royal Dutch oil local engine boats were visited one of the sites last pressurise respective programme, the Niger Delta programme, Mr. Young giant, Shell Petroleum destroyed, according to Saturday said they met the governments towards the E t h n i c N a t i o n a l i t i e s Kigbara said the next Development Company close sources in the Shell team moving their implementation of the Conference called for a conference will be held in (SPDC) to urgently communities, although no equipment from the area TCND report. reorganization of the current Port Harcourt Rivers State commence thorough clean life was loss to the raging after putting off the fire. To t h i s e n d , t h e post Amnesty programme of where participants will also up of the sites. fire”, the team said. They however said the conference appealed to the Federal government for be invited from Bayelsa, The Movement, while Spokesman of Shell in experts only put off the fire M O S O P t o f u r t h e r an effective Disarmament, and Rivers State. strongly condemning the Nigeria , Mr. Precious and stopped the flow of the reproduce and distribute a D e m o b i l i z a t i o n , cause of the incidents, O k o l o b o , w h i l e crude without proper clean simplified version of the R e i n t e g r a t i o n , a n d blamed the company for confirming the incident to up of the spill point as huge report to the various groups Rehabilitation to accord their delayed response to newsmen, said 'there were quantity of the spilled the inferno. several leaks and two crude oil still fill the site. MOSOP Activist, Peter Ite It therefore, charged major fires on a section of They wonder why the committed and spirited. the company to take the Trans-Niger Pipeline company only showed S p e a k i n g f o r t h e responsibility for the located at Bodo West and interest in making sure Goes Home he remains of Late late Peter Deekor Ite, a movement, the General d a m a g e s b y p a y i n g Bomu Oil Field in Gokana crude oil flows for its Secretary, Moses Damgbor, compensation to all local government area, production to commence Mr. Peter Deekor Ite, stunch MOSOP supporter of Bianu Bangha th noted that Mr. Ite has made affected communities. Rivers State . but pay less attention to the T died on Friday 9 October, town, Nyokhana District of 2009 in a ghastly auto significant sacrifices to the MOSOP emphasized To this effect, he said state of the environment Khana Local Government accident on the Bianu-Beeri struggle, recalling that he that whatever the cause of the multinational company and plights of the people. Area of Rivers State have bridge. served as one of his last the fire had been, the stopped the feeding of the Meanwhile, MOSOP been laid to rest. M O S O P m e m b e r s contributions as a member company should urgently pipeline with crude to has stated that it will not Activist Peter Ite who predominantly OUT and of the MOSOP electoral commence the process of forestall further damage. keep a sealed lip at any until his death was a other sympathizers were at committee that conducts the providing relief materials The affected pipeline, attempt by the company to member of the Ogoni Ite's burial in his home town election that usher in the t o t h e a f f e c t e d which passes through t r e a t i s s u e s o f Teachers Union (OTU) and to give him the last and current MOSOP leadership. communities. Ogoniland, conveys crude c o m p e n s a t i o n a n d Human Rights Campaigner, befitting honour. “Ite is someone we MOSOP Environment oil from Shell's flow thorough clean up of the was buried at his home In its message at the cannot forget so soon team that visited the s t a t i o n s a n d o t h e r area with less concern. town, Gbarabari village, burial, MOSOP expressed because he made marks that incident site reported that locations outside Ogoni to Bianu Bangha town on deep pains over the demise would remain tall in our the fire engulfed a vast area the Bonny terminal in Saturday April 10, 2010. of Mr. Ite whom it described minds and conscience”, of arable land, forest Rivers State. It would be recalled that a s o n e o f t h e m o s t Damgbor remarked. Issues 4 Ogoni Star May 13 - 26, 2010 MOVEMENT FOR THE SURVIVAL OF THE OGONI PEOPLE, USA (MOSOP-USA) P.O. BOX 607113, CHICAGO, IL 60660, 773.262.6869 never reprimanded for these grotesque crimes, still hunt the psyche of the Ogoni people at the glimpse of a soldier. We, the Ogoni people, do not have the land or the willingness to accommodate another military cantonment in Ogoni. There are; a Naval Base, and a Police Academy in the area, and Hon. Rotimi Amaechi pockets of military and other security posts all over Ogoni-land. There are redundant military Executive Governor of Rivers State checkpoints at every half a mile in Ogoni, extorting money from law-abiding motorists and Feb. 19, 2010 inflicting physical and psychological strains on the social and economic lives of the people. Our land had been encroached upon for multiple Oil projects and oil installations. The only reason the government wants to relocate another military camp to the area, irrespective of the Your Excellency, Sir: obvious logical odds, is because of the plot to launch a forceful resumption of oil operations in Ogoni without negotiating a fair and acceptable standard of operation with the owners of the OGONI DECRIES MILITARIZATION land. goniland is about to be rounded-up by Nigerian soldiers, once again! The Ogoni people Since 1990, when the first copy of the Ogoni Bill of Rights was presented to the federal are decrying excessive military presence in their communities. Yet, the government is government of Nigeria, the longing for peace in Ogoniland had remained an elusive nostalgia. Oabout to force a relocation of another military cantonment to the Shell-shocked land. The Government is currently plotting another instigation of chaos and violence in Ogoni by This is part o ht all-too-familiar calculated provocation of the Ogoni people in order to instigate proposing a forceful acquisition of land for a military cantonment in an area that is already chaos, to justify the deployment of soldiers to the area. But the Ogoni people have resolved to mottled by starvation and preventable deaths because of a deplorable economic adversity and be committed to the principles of nonviolence. No antidemocratic blanket cover on freedom of lack of farmlands for crop cultivation. expression will stop the Ogoni people from our trademark peaceful protest rallies and protest The Ogoni people had exemplified a culture and tradition of nonviolence in the face of correspondences with friends and organizations around the world. This expansive unremitting deprivation, repression and autocratic practices by the government of Nigeria for militarization of our society has to stop. This is another part of the scheme to facilitate a forceful fifty-two years. We will continue to uphold the tradition of nonviolence because it is the resumption of oil operations in Ogoni. And it will not work! responsible and civilized approach to our just and fair struggle against internal colonization in The demands in the Ogoni Bill of Rights call for addressing the unfair norms in Nigeria's Nigeria. national character, which practically and constitutionally marginalize the minorities to the In the spirit of peace, fairness and support for a continuous adherence to a peaceful fringes of political powers and economic status. The compensation and royalties denied the resolution of the rather agonizing situation in Ogoni; we call on the people of Nigeria, the Ogoni people for the resources extracted from Ogoni and siphoned to other parts of the country government of Nigeria, the United States, the European Union, United Nations, for development while Ogoni suffers the consequences of reckless oil operations, and remain nongovernmental organizations, and all communities and peoples of the “free world” to call in abject poverty, have not been remediated. The polluted Ogoni environment had not been on Nigeria to stop another militarization of Ogoniland-to avoid another round of government cleaned-up. The conditions under which the Ogoni people may consider a resumption of oil sponsored chaos and mass killings in the area. operations in the area have not been negotiated. A State, within the Nigerian federation, in The government of Nigeria and prospecting oil companies need to negotiate the terms, which Ogoni will manage its own affairs have not been considered. The inhuman, heartless and conditions and standards of oil operation in the area, to enable a peaceful resumption of barbaric criminalization and subsequent conviction and execution of innocent Ogoni people, operations that have both a legal license and a social license from the people of the area. including Ken Saro Wiwa, have not been addressed. Relocating military cantonments designed to cow the Ogoni people to submission while oil is On the rise is Ogoni, however, are redundant military checkpoints at every nook and forcefully drilled on our soil will only lead to one outcome: chaos and disarray, which will end cranny, where soldiers extort money from law abiding motorists and inflict huge physical and up generating another mass killing of genocidal proportion in Ogoniland. We are tired of dying psychological holdbacks on the social and economic lives of the people, while raising the and tired of uncertainty. We are also tired of being dominated and oppressed in our homeland. specter of an invasion hysteria on the minds of the local population who are still being hunted Our fifty-two years commitment to nonviolence had only been rewarded with gruesome by dreadful memories of previous military butcheries of the Ogoni people. atrocities committed against the Ogoni people by Nigerian military. If the Nigerian authorities With utmost insensibility and disregard to the plight of the Ogoni people, the Rivers State continue to misconstrue nonviolence as weakness, it will come a point when desperation will Governor, Hon. Rotimi Amaechi, had unilaterally chosen to ignore the adverse issues of breed dissent-and the Ogoni people will rather choose to die defending their homeland for overcrowding across Ogoniland by proposing a relocation of the military cantonment in Port coming generations than being slowly annihilated by successive Nigerian authorities. Harcourt to Ogoni. The population density in Ogoni is 2400 persons per square mile. The area We need help! We do not want another military cantonment in Ogoni. And we do not want is only 402sq miles inhabited by an estimated one million people. The Ogoni people have been another round of killings in Ogoniland. massacred and rapped by Nigerian soldiers. Their communities had been raided, looted and Signed: consigned to ash-heaps of debris on the orders of the government. Ogoni children, mothers and wives were rapped under the watching eyes of helpless fathers and husbands; fathers and Chief Stephen Kpea, Chairman, MOSOP USA Central Working Council husbands, who were, themselves, murdered thereafter, by Nigerian cold-blooded soldiers. Our entire generation of leaders were either lynched or judicially murdered by the Government of Nigeria because we demanded a fair share of the proceeds from the oil that is mined on our soil. The unprofessional, unethical and inhumane practices of Nigerian military personnel, who are DumBari Tsaro Deezua, Secretary, MOSOP USA Central Working Council Letter to the Editor COALITION FOR JUSTICE IN THE NIGER DELTA Kaani Needs a Re-Union 95 Ogbunabali Road, Port Harcourt, Nigeria ermit me to use your widely read medium to call on the good people of Bua Kaani in Pthe Khana Local Government Area of Cojund Flays Marginalisation of Most Ethnic Nationalities in Rivers State to sink their differences and think he Coalition for The Niger Delta by the FG another; a united and positively toward a re-union in the community. Justice in the Niger concerted effort if we must With unity there is no meaningful achievement TDelta (COJUND), a come from one single ethnic us at this point in time. consolidate our achievements body of ethnic nationalities group in the Niger Delta. We We want to warn that a and secure further gains. that cannot be made and the whole area will be and civil society groups in the reject any suggestion that the further escalation of the Anything capable of planting peaceful and accommodating for everyone. delta region, expresses ex-militants come from only present trend could test our discord would not only It is therefore up to all factions, actors and concern about certain one ethnic nationality in a understanding and patience to undermine our collective developments in the Niger very heterogeneous region the level where we all would resolve but would also actresses to bury the hatchet to give unity and Delta, which if not checked like the Niger Delta. resort to the violent options diminish the moral basis of peaceful co-existence a chance. Bearing in mind could reverse the gains in Our disappointment with that appear to be favoured for our struggle. that nothing would be more honourable than to recent times. It is in this light the current development is reward by the federal It is thus our position that imbibe the culture of forgiving those who may that we welcomed the heightened when taken government. Our peaceful the federal government announced meeting of the against the backdrop of a trend nature should not be taken for should reverse the trend and have done you ill as such is no weakness but Acting President of the in recent times when almost granted or seen as weakness. ensure that the interests of all strength and good neigbourliness. Then, it will Federal Republic of Nigeria, all key appointments in the The very basis of the Niger Delta communities are be refreshing should we realize that Bua Kaani His Excellency, Dr. Goodluck Niger Delta Development struggle in the Niger Delta has covered and protected in its which needed peace urgently at this moment is Jonathan with ex-militants at C o m m i s s i o n ( N D D C ) , been fiercely stated to be that distribution of benefits. And it the Presidential Villa, Abuja. community representation on a g a i n s t i n j u s t i c e a n d will be interesting to see bigger than each and all of us. Coming at a time when there all the sub-committees of the marginalization and we would immediate steps taken in this Division and violence among us, and even have been growing concerns p o s t - a m n e s t y p r o j e c t , want to believe that the Acting direction in the days ahead. the renaming of some parts of the community for relating to observed lack of nominations for current President who is no stranger to any reason cannot be a means to solving any progress pertaining to the federal appointments seem to the region and her campaign Des Alonale Laka post-amnesty programme and reflect a strategy to appease for justice understands how President identified communal palaver except by dialogue. c o n s e q u e n t d i s t u r b i n g only one ethnic group in the internal marginalization could The right time is now to be our brothers Hossanah Jalogho-Williams responses, COJUND further region and reduce the rest to be damaging to the cause for Secretary keeper where all of us must demonstratably work considers the step as timely. mere on-looking supporters. which huge sacrifices have honestly toward the realization of a true However, we note with This approach, in our been made by the peoples of Chimekwa Wopara grave concern that almost all considered opinion, smacks of the region. PRO reconciliation. Kaani is one and an indivisible the repentant militants invited internal marginalization, We want to remind our entity. to the said meeting with the which cannot account as a fellow Niger Deltans that Amakiri Amakoro Financial Secretary Please, rethink! Acting President seem to unifying message to the rest of since the tasks ahead are By John Bere Nkeh enormous, we need one 5 Society Ogoni Star May 13 - 26, 2010 rape trade. The ads would name and shame individuals and caught in the rape trade. campaign for their removal and reform. * Going after rape traders directly by publicly exposing them The Rape Trade * Running a global day of action outside slave houses - with WANTED billboards in their communities. exposing locations across the world where trade victims are being Https://secure.avaaz.org/en/fight_rape_trade/?vl Dear friends, sold and raped This shocking violence is often going on just down Avaaz emails like this one have generated millions for mita was a sweet 9 year old girl who loved her family. the road from our homes and schools. other causes like Burma, climate change and Haiti. That's One day, she was kidnapped, taken to a city far away and * Partnering with sex work activists, who have deep what it will take to stop this trade. It's not about how much we Aput in a cage. She was forced to have sex with dozens of understanding of the business, to expose the violence and take on give, but how many of us do. Right now, a girl's life is being men per day, and brutally beaten when she cried or refused. 5 the traffickers. transformed into an unimaginable horror, and we can do terror-filled years later, suffering from sexually transmitted * Tracking key trade routes and blocking ships carrying something to stop it: disease, she died from a beating at age 14. kidnapped girls and women in key transit ports. Millions of women and girls are sold for rape every year -- Amita's story is about the worst nightmare imaginable, but * Lobbying elected leaders to make this issue a priority and some estimate 2 every minute. We can save these young girls the UN estimates that millions of women and girls are traded use the full resources of our governments to stop it, including from horror. Click below to donate to Avaaz's new drive to halt for rape every year -- one of the most horrific problems in our passing better legislation to protect and provide for the women the rape trade: world today. The best way to tackle it is to expose the rape traders and kill their profits. In January Avaaz members voted to make this a top priority this year, so we're beginning work The Hidden Risk of a Sweet and Silent across the world with expert teams, local campaigners, sex blood vessels for 10 years or performance of insulin by in the workers and investigators to shut down these brutal and shadowy By Adedayo Osholowu more. body cells and hence its businesses. Killer recent study by and that a significant proportion 'Nothing do me' efficiency. In some patients Every minute this problem continues is too long. We can't researchers at the of the diabetic subjects were Most patients usually will there would be a need to bring Amita back, but every minute, two more Amitas are sold University of Port a s y m p t o m a t i c a n d remind their doctors that combine this lifestyle regimen into horror. Let's stop it now -- if just 10,000 of us make a donation A Harcourt Teaching hospital undiagnosed. Put in perspective "nothing do me" when asked to with medications. Recent right now we could help stop it. Click to donate: published in the International from their study they discovered take a screening test to rule out a medical advances have created https://secure.avaaz.org/en/fight_rape_trade/?vl Journal of Diabetes Research that over 40% of the identified rise in their blood sugar. a wide range of pharmacologic In the January Avaaz poll, almost 90% of our community voted and Clinical Practice reveals diabetics had no idea that they Diabetes can be most easily agents that can be used in these for tackling the rape trade as a top campaigning priority for these alarming statistics. In the suffered from this life identified by conducting a test cases. 2010. Here are the actions we are developing: study, they screened over 500 threatening and preventable to measure the levels of glucose T h e e f f i c a c y o f h t t p s : / / s e c u r e . a v a a z . o rg / e n / f i g h t _ r a p e _ t r a d e / ? v l subjects selected using scientific condition. in the blood following an traditional medicines In the January Avaaz poll, almost 90% of our community voted sampling methods. The danger of non- overnight fast. Many traditional herbal for tackling the rape trade as a top campaigning priority for The most important finding diagnosis (and therefore non- The normal levels usually medications have gained 2010. Here are the actions we are developing: they reported were a rising treatment) is that it raises the fall below 100 milligrams. universal appeal in the * Investigating and publicly shaming complicit officials incidence in diabetes in Nigeria risk of stroke and heart disease From 100 to 125 mg/dl is management of diabetes. In a and politicians in countries where official corruption is part of the which could very easily escalate considered "prediabetes" and study performed by a researcher to blindness, kidney failure, loss above 125 is diabetes. Some at the Department of Medicine of limbs and sudden death. In experts think "prediabetes" of the University College Marriage is Godly Ordained the rest of my article, I highlight should be dubbed full diabetes Hospital, Ibadan; 10 diabetic the risks of diabetes and point so that patients pay attention p a t i e n t s b e i n g t r e a t e d - Rev. Vidorbu out preventive actions we all sooner. exclusively by traditional hristians have been called upon to he was thankful to God for making his marriage It is however important to healers were followed up at occasion a successful one. must take to ensure that we always see marriage as an reduce the burden of this note that the most important home for a period of up to 16 Cinstitution that must be respected by Those that graced the occasion includes preventable disease. factor in screening for diabetes weeks and another group of 8 all men, no matter their status. the parent of the bride and the groom; Mr. and Diabetes or "sugar" as our is a family history of the patients had a hospital-based A clergyman, Rev. Micheal Vidorbu Mrs. Jonathan Kerenwin and Mr. David D. people call it can most easily be condition. The unfortunate trial of traditional anti-diabetic made the call recently while presiding as the Kote, Hon. Batom Mitee, Special Adviser to the described as an imbalance thing is that the fear of finding medicines for about 4 weeks. officiating minister during the Holy Rivers State Governor on parastatals, Rev. B. between sugar and insulin in out that one may suffer from The results published in the matrimony between former Miss Loomaop, Apostle I.I.L Kerenwin, of the your blood stream. this chronic disease usually African Journal of Medical Ziganubari Confidence Kerenwin and Mr. Apostolic Church, Pastor Isaac Gbarabe, Pastor When the body ingests prevents people from taking the Sciences revealed that most of screening tests. It is also the patients reported an Popnwin Tornubari Kote at the Progressive J.K. Deekor, Engr. Feegalo Mitee, Mr. Felix S. sugar, the pancreas secretes Bakel, amongst other personalities. insulin to convert it into energy. common for primary care improvement in their symptoms Baptist Church, K-Dere, Gokana Local doctors to disregard slight rises and improved sense of well- Government Area of Rivers State. When someone has diabetes, the body does not get enough in the blood sugar on testing. being. Rev. Vidorbu said broken homes and insulin, either because the Best practices state that However, no objective divorce after marriage are caused by the pancreas is not making enough any slight rises in the blood improvement in the blood lack of respect for the institution by those of it (Type 1) or because the sugar or related symptoms glucose was demonstrated. This who go into it without considering or taking body becomes resistant to the should be followed up with a study highlights that while there cognizance of the fact that it is an institution insulin (Type 2). With Type 2, full complement of tests. Most is a place for traditional herbal ordained by God. the pancreas churns out even recently a different test, the medications in the treatment of He furthered that getting involved in more insulin, but it has little haemoglobin A1C, has been diabetes, the life threatening extra-marital affairs was a total effect, leaving too much glucose recommended for screening, effects of the disease can only be disobedience to God’s Command, a thing he in the blood stream. Eventually, since the results are more clear- m a n a g e d w i t h l i f e s t y l e cut. m o d i f i c a t i o n a n d said has made some couple's incure the the insulin-making cells in the pancreas may shut down. The Managing diabetes p h a r m a c o l o g i c a g e n t s wrath of God. The treatment for diabetes prescribed under the guidance The man of God encouraged the newly symptoms of diabetes are mostly caused by the sugary is not as tedious as most people on a health professional. wedded couple to always seek the face of blood and its effects on the body believe. In over 50 percent of Adedayo Osholowu MD, God in their day to day living so as to benefit cells. cases the blood sugar can be an International Olympic from His blessings. The important factor to normalised by reducing the Committee certified Sports I n a c h a t w i t h O g o n i S t a r note is that the first symptoms - intake of carbohydrates to physician works with a Correspondent, the groom, Mr. Popnwin including fatigue, excessive reduce the amount of sugar the micropractice based in Lagos Tornubari Kote, who is also the Personal thirst and frequent urination - body needs to handle and also Nigeria. Assistant to the Special Adviser to the Mr. & Mrs. Tornubari Kote often don't appear until the by performing regular exercise. He is also a writer and a Rivers State Governor on Parastatals, said excess sugar has been damaging Research has proven that reviewer for the British Medical in a happy mood e x e r c i s e i m p r o v e s t h e Journal. Poetry: In a Gentle Pace Food For Thought In a gentle pace, they run the race Asking where then is our hope? Ever wonder what would happen if we treated our Bible like we treat our cell phone? Though challenges they faced in their days The lion roars the more ready to swallow What if we carried it around in our purses or pockets? Ushered in the grace to say More foodstuff stormed the den. What if we flipped through it several time a day? In a gentle pace they run the race What if we turned back to go get it if we forgot it? The bamboo stick vomits no seed Here is a perfect blood sucking monster What if we used it to receive messages from the text? Rather fingers clenches the plastic stick Moving majestically to partner with his ancestors What if we treated it like we couldn't live without it? Produces brass knuckles Painted and pasted for In a cool-hearted-hand came Mr. Naam m naani What if we gave it to Kids as gifts? all to read For a father that fathers no father are farther What if we used it when we traveled? They all gaze and dash out mouth to speak From the facts and fat What if we used it in case of emergency? Where can the bombardier that bombard be This is something to make you go....hmm... where is my Bible? In a gentle pace, they run the race found? Oh, and one more thing. Though begging on a land without collateral In a gentle peace, they ran the race Unlike our cell phone, we don't have to worry about our Bible being Where milks and honey flows to the space Hear oh airs, run gently for Disconnected because Jesus already paid the bill. In its territory are slavery staggering in so far Makes you stop and think 'where are my priorities? And no dropped calls! To drag complacent smile with stagy agony all In a gentle pace, they ran the race When Jesus died for us, he was thinking of you! If you are one of the 7% who will stand up days In a gentle pace, slow and steady comes victory for Him, forward this. Bleeding in and out, so we are badly battered In a gentle pace without grudge comes unity 93% of the people might not forward this, please do if you love Jesus. God bless your day. In a gentle pace without egotism comes prosperity Thousands of miles came the man In a gentle pace they run Helen OLUGU Coming in a gentle pace to run the race And emerge the pace setter Admin Secretary/Protocol Officer That succingly said one-plus-one is two not four BOURBON INTEROIL NIGERIA LTD. You are a rascal, says the blood sucking monster By Goodnews Ledum Friday Phone : +234 1 878 11 22 Causing the stars to brighten the sky? (Don-glefpoet) MOBILE: +234 7034000302 The mammoth crowd of nature faltered 08039565765 Email: [email protected] Niger Delta 6 Ogoni Star May 13 - 26, 2010 Zone Authority decried a Oil Development in N'Delta has Failed-Prof. Ibeanu situation where about $10- By Alice Onukwugha Z o n e : R e l e v a n c e a n d $15billion dollars (half of the though people seem to argue development. “Investing in Oil and Gas: nation's budget) is used on oil il development in the Opportunities to the Oil and that there is relative He said militancy in the The Experience of Corporate exploration and exploitation, Niger Delta has Gas industry in Nigeria”, Dr. development since there are region arose from the brutal Organisations in Nigeria” yet only 25% is retained in failed and that is why Noble Abe said the problem O more roads and schools than restriction of the struggle of was intended at informing oil Nigeria. the problem of the region is of Nigeria is that of the early 70's, the social the people, stressing that companies of the state He, therefore, called on multi-stranded and multi- identifying its comparative situation in the Niger Delta prolonged agitation of the government's resolve to build the State and National layered. advantage and using it to d o e s n o t r e f l e c t i t s people created a vacuum an enabling environment for Assembly to come up with This was the argument of develop the economy. contribution to sustenance of which militancy fills. companies operating in the laws that will create wealth Prof. Okechukwu Ibeanu, Dr. Abe who is the MD the Nigerian economy. Prof Ibeanu warned state. and development for the Director, Institute for of Onne Oil and Gas Free Arguing that the Niger peace is not the absence of Also speaking on the economy. Development Studies, UNN, Delta has been over- conflict, saying oil wealth topic “Onne Oil and Gas Free during his paper presentation subscribed in terms of must be distributed in ways at a two-day international oil development, Prof Ibeanu that would be beneficial to the Amnesty International Charges and gas conference organized reiterated that development is producers. by the State Assembly House not about things people create In his welcome address, Committee on Energy last and use, but about their Hon. Otelemeba Amachree, Police Over Activists Assault Thursday. capacity to create. Chairman of the House By Gowon Emakpe three men were not told why medical report that detailed Prof Ibeanu who was According to him, Committee on Energy said m n e s t y t hey were stopped and his injuries. The activists speaking on the Topic: The developmental part of reward the aim of the conference was International, an detained, but were taken to believe staff at the clinic may Niger Delta and the Paradox has to do with the extent of the to find out experiences of Ainternational human Olusegun Obasanjo Police have been intimidated by the of development: Resolving distribution of work and companies in the state so as rights non-governmental Station in Port Harcourt. police. the conflicts between reward, adding that work of the chart a way forward. organisation, has called on “They knew who we A medical report carried corporate organisations and vast majority of people in the He said theme of the the Nigerian Police Force were,” said Mr. Osuoka, one out in Austria, where the host communities argued that region is irrelevant to c o n f e r e n c e w h i c h i s (NPF) to immediately start of the activists. “When we activists are holding talks investigations into the assault were stopped, they didn't ask about human rights in the and detention of three human for our names, they didn't ask Niger Delta, found that Mr. MOSOP Reiterates Call on rights activists by its officials to see a driver's licence, they Celestine sustained several in Port Harcourt, Rivers didn't ask for any car bruises on his arms and legs State. documents.” from the beating he received Govts for Transparency in A statement by Elisabeth A c c o r d i n g t o t h e from the police. Vi k m a n o f A m n e s t y statement, at the police “The government must and policy frameworks on International said Isaac station, the activists were ensure that human rights Extractive Industriesm i n i n g a s i t a f f e c t s Asume Osuoka, Akpobari refused access to legal defenders can carry out their indigenous peoples on the Celestine, and Ken Henshaw, counsel. work without interference, Operations Continent particularly on the all from Social Action, a non- Mr. Celestine said he was obstacles, discrimination or issue of free, prior and governmental organisation denied medical treatment for fear of retaliation,” said Mr. - Welcomes Election of African Coordinator informed consent. t h a t c a m p a i g n s f o r the injuries he sustained while van der Borght. he Movement for the establishment of Indigenous While appreciating the environmental justice and being detained. “These activists have a Survival of the Ogoni Community Fund for the fact that most African human rights in Nigeria, were The activis ts w ere right to an independent, People, MOSOP, has continued development of governments as reported stopped and detained by released without charge impartial and competent T review of complaints and, r e n e w e d i t s c a l l o n mineral bearing Indigenous have made efforts to develop police on 5th April, 2010, around midnight, after they where violations are found to governments to establish Communities when the new mining and mineral after leaving their office. alerted friends and colleagues have taken place, to obtain robust mechanisms for resource extraction has laws, MOSOP however “Akpobari Celestine said in the city who intervened on redress.” transparency in the extractive ended. regretted that serious gaps he was repeatedly hit with the their behalf. Mr. van der Borght industries operations and Similarly, the Ogoni still exist as those attempts at butt of a gun, poked with a Police intimidation accused the Nigeria Police make open all information representative movement legal reforms have not been barrel in his arms and legs and “The excessive use of force and arbitrary detention Force of committing a wide relating to the extractive said it recognized the large participatory enough and the slapped in the face, as at least suffered by these men must be range of human rights sector to the citizens. work that has been done in people are left in most six armed men, including at fully investigated and the violations with impunity, MOSOP made this the area of Corporate Social circumstances with new laws least three uniformed police officers, forced the activists perpetrators brought to including unlawful killings, position in a statement issued Responsibility but their having largely colonial in Port Harcourt in which it experiences as Indigenous out of their car and into a justice,” said Erwin van der t o r t u r e , a n d e n f o r c e d footprints. These it said disappearances. He said also welcomed the election of peoples made them to call for white van, without asking the Borght, Africa Director at include the latest African people are targeted for failing Mr. Legborsi Saro Pyagbara a move from the era of victims for any form of Amnesty International. mining vision, the ECOWAS to pay bribes and several of as the Regional Cordinator C o r p o r a t e S o c i a l identification,” the statement The clinic where Mr. Mining Code and others. them have been tortured to for Africa for the Global Responsibility to the era of read. Celestine sought treatment Noting that Africa is death in police detention. Network on Extractive Corporate Liability. No reasons given following his release, later richly endowed with mineral The statement said the refused to give him the Industries and Indigenous As stated in the letter resources, it said the colonial Peoples. presented by its International scramble for Africa, which In the MOSOP statement Advocacy Officer, Mr. was driven by economic The Legend has Stolen My Heart signed by its Press Officer, Legborsi Pyagbara at a objectives, the renewed Sunny Zorvah, the Ogoni United Nations forum resource scramble for Africa Movement emphasized that recently, MOSOP requested w i t h t h e p r o c e s s o f This morning I ponder “Once I raked into myself” its position on issues of that African Governments g l o b a l i z a t i o n a n d justice and rights of the involved in the extractive Aggravate my heart ordeal I guess I'm right to him! liberalization is endangering I must conclude Once I barked Indigenous Peoples as well as sector activities should as a an expansion of extractive My heart! Burst! He admonished me its quest for corporate matter of priority, design sector activity in the Almost paralyzed “Once I smile into myself! responsibility by operators of mechanisms for the intensive continent, especially in the This is a thin out pour This strange zeal map me in the extractive industries have education and enlightenment mining sector yet most of Tiling my inches of kindness remained consistently of its citizen's especially these expansions of mining This man Ah! I'm here to succumb uncompromised, and go mineral bearing Indigenous activities take place in the Communities on the intended Stoic my freedom But I know you touched my life beyond the shores of African pristine forests, seas and Like melodies of my moonlight tales Continent. programe. This is needed to lands of Indigenous peoples. build the knowledge base and This isn't tuition of friction Now my giggle spread This, according to the Meanwhile, following But a scarifies of honour Into my broad face statement informed the capacities of citizens, the election of Mr. Legborsi c o m m u n i t i e s a n d i t s Today, this mind beat out of me To clap once more Movements decision to join Pyagbara as the African The ill doubt Though, forever in the signing of the members as well as for Coordinator on Extractive conflict prevention in the “And away” And your toiling years Statement of Solidarity to the Industries and Indigenous Wailing to know This time is memorable Indigenous People of Peru by area. th Peoples, MOSOP expressed A sap of totality This coast of humility Also stated at the 18 the Global Network of appreciation to all members This is a cradle of simplicity Swallow my days of tumour session of the Commission on Indigenous Peoples and of the International body Because you're here Extractive Industries SPA, Sustainable Development in working on the issues, and Oh! Else I dawned out But his echoes, and the letter to the Canadian C h e m i c a l s , W a s t e also commended him (Mr. I don't mind betraying my wearied heart Must be a lullaby to my children Prime Minister regarding the Management, Transport and Pyagbara) who is its This selfless I deal Unborn a d o p t i o n o f t h e n e w Sustainable Consumption International Advocacy Overwhelm my life tutors My legend C o r p o r a t e S o c i a l and productions, MOSOP Officer, acknowledging that Do not intrude my mood Dedicated to Barrister Ledum Mitee Responsibility in that called on all African States to this development is a “I believe” MOSOP President country. apply United Nations t e s t i m o n y o f h i s My legend is here Realizing that most Declaration on the Rights of commitments to the struggle Preparing my future Composed By: extractive resources are Indigenous Peoples as the for justice for the Indigenous Dumka Richard Vincent finite, MOSOP called for the normative basis for all legal Peoples across the globe. The Nation 7 Ogoni Star May 13 - 26, 2010 U.S Faults Nigeria's Anti-corruption Crusade, Tackles EfCC From Laolu Akande, New York party. Bafarawa was charged people, especially Christians labour." Islamic group." with embezzlement of public last week. While conceding that Also the report added that igeria continues to The report cited one funds in 2007, which he According to the report, "civilian authorities generally "during the year, the Joint Task feature under the n o t a b l e i n s t a n c e : “ I n denied. Observers alleged that which was released on maintained effective control of Force (JTF), a unit formed in critical lens of the December the judge dismissed N the arrest was an attempt to Thursday, human rights the security forces," the US 2003 to restore stability in the United States, which has again the 170 counts of illegal harass opponents of the ruling problems in Nigeria in the last report blasted the security Niger Delta and composed of condemned the country's activity against former Delta party. . one year "included the agencies in Nigeria saying” elements of the military, human rights record in the last State Governor James Ibori, ?The corruption trial of abridgement of citizens' right there were numerous instances police, and security services, one year. although the judge ordered former Ekiti State governor, to change their government; in which elements of the conducted raids on militant According to the US aretrial. Ibori remained free on Ayo Fayose, had not been politically motivated and security forces acted outside groups and criminal suspects annual Human Rights reports bail at year's end." heard by year's end, despite a extrajudicial killings by the law." in the Niger Delta, resulting in released by Hillary Clinton, According to the US December 2008 court ruling security forces, including On Niger Delta, the report numerous deaths and injuries. the Economic and Financial government, the removal of against his request for a delay. s u m m a r y e x e c u t i o n s ; noted that "militant and Credible reports also indicated Crimes Commission (EFCC) Nuhu Ribadu as EFCC F a y o s e s u b s e q u e n t l y vigilante killings; abductions criminal groups in the Niger that military personnel and did not perform well in 2009. chairman contributed to the requested an exit visa to travel by militant groups; torture, Delta were responsible for paramilitary mobile police The US said “the EFCC tainted perception of Federal outside the country for alleged rape, and other cruel, inhuman n u m e r o u s k i l l i n g s , c a r r i e d o u t s u m m a r y reportedly singled out Government's seriousness to "urgent medical attention." or degrading treatment of kidnappings, and injuries, as executions, assaults, and other political opponents in its fight corruption. The Visa had not been granted prisoners, detainees, and well as the displacement of abuses across the Niger arrests and detentions of state, "The EFCC's inability to by year's end. criminal suspects." thousands of persons." Delta." local, and federal government bring a number of corruption Such treatment included Observing however that This year's report clearly officials on corruption investigations to closure, the ?Trials also remained "harsh and life-threatening "lead militant groups accepted lambasted the Nigerian police, charges during the year.” 2008 replacement of its p e n d i n g i n t h e 2 0 0 8 prison and detention center the president's offer of an For instance, it said: "On According to the report, internationally respected corruption cases against: conditions; arbitrary arrest amnesty by the October 4 December 9, there was “the EFCC's anti-corruption chairman; and the 2008 former aviation ministers and prolonged pretrial deadline, after which reports extrajudicial executions and e f f o r t s w e r e l a r g e l y transfer of many of its senior Femi Fani-Kayode and detention; denial of fair public of incidents attributed to these other unlawful killings by the ineffectual. Despite the arrest personnel raised questions Babalola Borishade for trial; executive influence on militant groups decreased," Police in Nigeria, which of several high-ranking about the government's alleged embezzlement of the judiciary and judicial the US insisted that "violence documented 39 cases of officials by the EFCC, there commitment to fighting N19.5 billion (approximately corruption." remained pervasive" in that security force killings and were allegations that agency corruption. During the year $130 million); former The US government in part of the country. enforced disappearances and investigations targeted the EFCC was accused of Adamawa State Governor, the mandatory report to the US The Boko Haram incident was based on interviews and individuals who were out of using its authority to harass B o n i H a r u n a , f o r Congress added that in also featured prominently in research conducted between favour with the government of citizens who objected to misappropriating N93 million Nigeria "infringement of the report, which included July 2007 and July 2009. the day, while those that were g o v e r n m e n t p o l i c i e s , " (approximately $618,000); privacy rights; restrictions on virtually every nation on the According to the report, in favour continued their according to the report. former chairman of the NPA freedom of speech, press, globe. According to the US, n a t i o n a l p o l i c e w e r e activities with impunity.' The US also cited the Board of Directors and five assembly, religion, and "from July 26 to 29, violent responsible for hundreds 01 On the argument of the following corruption cases: other NPA members for movement," were still clashes erupted in four extrajudicial executions, other EFCC that approximately 10 illegally awarding contracts ?On December 9, the prevalent, while "official n o r t h e r n s t a t e s a f t e r unlawful killings, and former state governors were w o r t h N 8 4 b i l l i o n EFCC arrested former Sokoto corruption and impunity," supporters of Boko Haram enforced disappearances each facing corruption charges, the ( a p p r o x i m a t e l y $ 5 5 8 State Governor Attahiru were still in place. ("western education is sin"), year." Americans responded in the million); and former Edo Bafarawa, who was attending Furthermore the report an Islamic extremist group, In addition, the annual report saying, “none of the State Governor, Lucky an opposition meeting to plan noted that "domestic vio lence launched a four-state assault report stated that "victims cases had moved forward by Igbinedion, against whom the a new "mega" opposition and discrimination against on police stations and other were not picked at random year's end.” EFCC was appealing a December 2008 verdict due to women; the killing of children government facilities. In and, in a country where the light sentence he received suspected of witchcraft; quelling the uprising, security "bribes guarantee safety," Rights Agency for the alleged embezzlement female genital mutilation forces committed serious those who could not afford to of more than N3.6 billion (FGM); child abuse and child h u m a n r i g h t s a b u s e s , pay were at risk of being shot (approximately $24 million). sexual exploitation," were i n c l u d i n g e x e c u t i o n s , or tortured to death. The Criticises INEC Besides, the US noted among the several human extrajudicial killings, and majority of cases were neither Abubakar Sadiq Isah & Romoke W. Ahmad t h a t " t h e r e w e r e n o rights problems in Nigeria just w i d e s p r e a d a n d investigated nor perpetrators indiscriminate arrests." he National Human voters apathy was witnessed developments in any of the as were "societal violence; punished. Under a sub section on Rights Commission's at the Abuja Municipal Area 2007 pending corruption ethnic, regional, and religious Commenting on the level "Respect for the Integrity of C h i e f E l e c t o r a l Council (AMAC). c a s e s a g a i n s t f o r m e r discrimination; trafficking in of redress investigations, the T persons for the purpose of t h e P e r s o n , i n c l u d i n g US report stated that "when Monitor, Harry Obe, has He called on INEC to government officials. prostitution and forced Freedom From Arbitrary or criticised the late arrival of strive to live up to the general "Even while presenting investigations did occur, they labour." Unlawful Deprivation of electoral materials and INEC expectations of Nigerians at the report to journalists during d i d n o t c o m p l y w i t h The report also listed, Life," the US accused the officials at polling units future elections as voters the week in Washington DC, international standards, and Nigeria was again singled out among human rights problems Nigerian government or its o f f i c e r s s u s p e c t e d o f during the FCT area council experience this time shows a in Nigeria, the "discrimination agents as being "responsible polls. general lack of confidence in for international concern by extrajudicial executions were a g a i n s t p e r s o n s w i t h for numerous extrajudicial generally sent on training or He said voters, who came the ability of INEC. the US government because of disabilities; discrimination killings, including politically transferred to other states early were disenchanted by In another development, the situation in Jos, where religious violence has led to based on sexual orientation motivated killings of leaders instead of being prosecuted.” the situation and most of them the Independent National and gender identity; and child of Boko Haram, an extremist left after waiting for a long Electoral Commission death of several innocent time, adding that it caused (INEC) yesterday declared c o n s i d e r a b l e Mr. Jospeh Shazin of the All Jonathan Promises Clear Roadmap To disenfranchisement. Nigeria Peoples Party " I n m a n y p o l l i n g (ANPP), winner of Kwali By Martin Ayankola With Agency Report stations, voting started at Area Council's chairmanship Boost Electricity Supply demand for electricity is about 12 pm and many election. resident Goodluck Relations. He is visiting N a t i o n a l E l e c t o r a l almost double the current eligible voters could not find I N E C ' s R e t u r n i n g Jonathan said recently Washington to take part in Commision will be removed supply. their names in the voter's Officer in Kwali, Idowu in Washington, United President Barack Obama's and “we will appoint fresh P Jonathan met with register which further Olayemi, disclosed that States, that Nigeria wanted to summit on nuclear security. blood” if necessary. Obama on Sunday, an d i s e n f r a n c h i s e d m a n y ANPP polled 8,845 votes and create a clear roadmap for the “Today as a nation, we Jonathan said Nigeria encounter the Nigerian leader eligible voters," he added. were closely followed by the development of the power, are stable and moving was exploring natural gas described as warm and “quite Obe observed that INEC PDP that had 8,228. transportation and aviation forward,” Jonathan said. In wealth and looking into two fruitful.” Nigeria is one of the did not take cognizance of the T h e i n c u m b e n t industries. the year before planned 2011 new energy areas, coal-fired largest suppliers of US crude- hot climate condition in Gwagwalada Area Council J o n a t h a n s a i d h i s elections, Nigeria's domestic turbines and a long-term plan oil imports, according to Abuja and would have started Chairman, Alhaji Zakari administration would work focus would be on electoral to develop nuclear energy. Energy Department data, and early to record an appreciable Angulu Dobi (ANPP), also toward transparency. “You'll improvements, delivering The development of the two countries also turnout of voters. emerged winner by getting see a clear roadmap,” he said peace to the oil-rich Niger nuclear power would be an cooperate on counter- H e p r a i s e d t h e 10, 990 votes as against 8,852 of plans to develop electricity Delta, work on terrorism eight- to 10- year endeavour, terrorism issues. considerable number of votes scored by Alhaji Saidu generation, transportation threats and efforts to improve he said. “Nuclear power is not Recently, Secretary of security agents deployed to Garba Zuba of the PDP. projects and aviation, “If we Nigeria's international image, the one you just wake up and State Hillary Clinton, and the polling units but lamented Similarly, the incumbent are not moving forward, you Jonathan said. generate,” he said. Secretary to the Federal that they were ill equipped chairman of Kuje Area will know.” “We can hold elections Jonathan said he had not Government, Alhaji Yalale with communication as well Council, Mr. Danladi Etsu Jonathan, according to a that are credible,” Jonathan yet appointed a minister for Ahmed, inaugurated the US- as security gadgets to enhance Zhin of the PDP was returned report by Bloomberg, said. “It gives me hope.” power and would lead that N i g e r i a B i - N a t i o n a l their duties. after polling 12,349 votes, addressed electoral changes, Nigeria's electoral portfolio himself. “It is one of Commission to cooperate on The electoral monitor while PDP's candidates Peter violence in the Niger Delta, commission would be critical the greatest challenges we governance issues, the Niger commended the turn out in Yohanna and Michael Jiba human rights abuses and the in ensuring the fairness of have, the power sector,” he Delta and related security K u j e , B w a r i K w a l i , won at Bwari and the Abuja energy industry in remarks to next year's vote, he said. said. c o n c e r n s , e n e rg y a n d Gwagwalada and Abaji Municipal Area Council a standing-room crowd at the According to him, those Blackouts are a daily investment, and food security. councils and said general respectively. C o u n c i l o n F o r e i g n not performing well in the occurrence in Nigeria, where 8 Interview Ogoni Star May 13 - 26, 2010 Jonathan Must Probe Funds Allocated To Post-Amnesty By Sola Adebayo for the failure because he was the chairman of the amnesty -Briggs process as it was constituted then by the President, Umaru Committee Yar'Adau. From whole process of collecting money to put the ow do you evaluate the amnesty initiative of the process on the move, bringing the people out and re- Federal Government and lately the post-amnesty integrating them, till when President Yar'Adua left the country Hprogramme? because of ill-health, there is a question to be asked on how the I need to be very clear when I explained this; I have been money was spent. This is because we have seen these people known to have said the amnesty programme has failed. I am protesting on the streets of Niger Delta that the money was not also known to have said that the only thing that has succeeded disbursed to them. in this whole process is that government made a call for people Did you notice any sign of fraud? to come out and lay their arms down in order to give dialogue What I can say categorically is that there are complaints and government an opportunity to bring development to the by the people who are supposed to have been paid money area. And for them to thereafter go through the processes of every month up till about January/February by their rehabilitation and re-integration. Now to that point the process calculation and from the end of October 2009, we started of bringing arms out was successful but then it was successful having issues from Bayelsa State and I personally was at a time because the people who were approached to bring arms out on television explaining how I actually encountered some of actually accepted the offer. So in that aspect the success these crisis points along the East/West Road. And some actually belonged to the people who gave up their arms. For me complaints that came to me from the youths in Bayelsa State as a person that is where this whole thing stopped. The process regarding non- payment of money and even in Rivers State, of rehabilitation and re-integration should have commenced where there is a camp in Alua with about 180 people. after the arms were handed over and the people that came out President Goodluck Jonathan What are the signs of failure by the re-integration of the creeks should have been moved into the so-called camps South West Local Government Area of Delta State because I committee? that are still not functioning. They should have been moved definitely knew that after the laying down of arms, there would The failure is the fact that the young men that came out of into camps for counselling which is the logical and proper be a gap because nothing was on ground. The camps and the creeks are on the streets, even recently there was a protocol of doing this type of thing. training schemes were not ready up till now. If anybody says demonstration in Edo State and the grievances of the Why was that not possible? that they are there, that person is not telling the truth. demonstrators is very clear apart from the success of the laying It was not possible because it was handled by the wrong Don't you think Gen. Abbe may not be responsible for down of arms. people. The Chairman of the Amnesty Committee, Maj.-Gen. the failure you claimed? Perhaps, the problems may be as a Do you enjoy the support of the ex-militants and other Godwin Abbe (rtd.), obviously has never participated in a result of other factors like logistics? stakeholders in the Niger Delta in your clamour that the process like this before .And with all due respect to him; he Definitely we were told that the initial budget was N50bn, Abbe-led committee be probed? was not in a position to make it successful. You can also look at but then we were told that it was later increased after a lot of Most Nigerians that I have discussed with on the amnesty it from the angle of not having the correct protocol to actually people, including myself kicked against it because I could not process including ex-militants said a large sum of money was go through the process. He can be held responsible for actually see the justification in releasing N50bn. If N50bn is to be committed into a process that obviously has not succeeded frustrating the post-amnesty process which should have taken released, we might as well put it in the development of the Abbe as the chairman of the committee is the one who has off at the point of handing over guns and rehabilitating the Niger Delta. said the amnesty has succeeded. The beneficiaries, the people after which they were re-integrated into the society. But If you are responsible for a project such as we have with supposed forgiven militants' are saying that it has not he was not able to do that. The committee was not able to the amnesty project, in which a committee was set up and the succeeded. The beneficiaries are demonstrating in Edo State succeed because it did not go through the right process. It was former Minister of Defence was the chairman of that and other parts of the Niger Delta. Why did they not even go on record that I said from the beginning that the programme committee, if anything about it fails, the bulk stops with him. and ask them why they are demonstrating? The Acting will not succeed. And that was why the request for extension of He is to be held responsible and for me I hold him responsible President should ask the committee to tell Nigerians how the the deadline for the amnesty stage was made in Oporoza, Warri News money was spent. ollowing the death good governance, electoral access to electricity, water, of President Umaru Jonathan Becomes President reform and the fight education, health facilities FMusa Yar'Adua, against corruption which and other social amenities former Vice-President and Late President Yar'Adua. the power vacuum created had no knowledge of his ha said would be pursued would continue to be given A c t i n g - P r e s i d e n t Reports have it that at the Presidency until the return and was denied with greater vigour. the needed emphasis and Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, Late President Umaru National Assembly as a access to see ailing President Jonathan furthered that youth has been sworn-in as the Musa Yar'Adua whose matter of necessity voted Yar'Adua, until the news of stated that efforts at u n e m p l o y m e n t a n d substantive President and d e p r e c i a t i n g h e a l t h h i s v i c e , G o o d l u c k his death on May 5, at the ensuring the sustenance of workers welfare will also Commander-in-Chief of condition had forced him Jonathan as Acting- Presidential Villa in Abuja. peace and development in be given priority. the Armed Forces of the out of the Presidential Villa President. N e w l y s w o r n - i n the Niger Delta, as well as M e a n w h i l e i n Federal Republic of for some months, died Yar'Adua's rumoured P r e s i d e n t G o o d l u c k the security of life and fulfillment of his earlier Nigeria. about 9pm local time on and unconfirmed return Jonathan in his maiden property around the entire promise to restructure the President Jonathan Wednesday May 5, 2010 at into the country amid tight address to the nation while country would be of top Independent National was sworn-in about the age of 58. security and darkness via pledging the support of the most priority in the Electoral Commission 9 . 3 0 a m l o c a l t i m e Yar'Adua had on the Presidential wing of the government and people of remaining period of the (INEC), in line with his Thursday May 6, 2010 by November 23, last year N n a m d i A z i k i w e Nigeria to the Yar'Adua present administration. commitment to electoral the Chief Justice of the following a heart ailment International Airport family during this period T h e P r e s i d e n t r e f o r m s , P r e s i d e n t F e d e r a t i o n , J u s t i c e traveled to Saudi Arabia to Abuja, in an air ambulance of trial, prayed God for the reassured Nigerians of Goodluck Jonathan have Aloysius Kastina-Alu, in seek for medical attention remained one issue that repose of the soul of his governments commitment appointed Mr. Solomon Abuja, Nigeria's capital to and for over three months troubled the nation and the late boss. to improve on the socio- S o y e b i a s t h e n e w fill the gap created in the nothing was heard from presidency in particular, as He said he will ensure economic situation in the Chairman of INEC. Presidency by the death of him amid concern about even the Acting-President a total commitment to country through improved

Devastating site of a recent Oil Spill in Gokana, Ogoni Land 9 Issues Ogoni Star May 13 - 26, 2010 Ogoni Children's Cultural And Fundamental Rights Council obtains today. Oppose Military Base By Ben Wuloo Ikari, (Founder and Executive Director of OCAFAC-USA) Meanwhile, the people of Ogoni have unanimously untold hardship, trauma and should be accorded adequate has the constitutional duty to undermined but respected. he Ogoni Children's stopped $hell and other oil post traumatic injuries and services and protection in all create an environment Positive developments and C u l t u r a l a n d companies from stealing their stress from the havoc ramifications. Ogoni children conducive for their growth, relationships must be planned TFundamental Rights oil/gas resources and ruining unleashed on them and their deserve proper upbringing health and protection. or ensured to allay these fears Council (OCAFAC USA) t h e e n v i r o n m e n t i n parents by the $hell Oil paid through government support Ogoni children deserves to be that are well founded and not joins other meaningful collaboration with the federal military of Nigeria. They to parents. They deserve treated with respect, dignity, inflate them with another Ogonis, non Ogoni groups and state governments. have not forgotten the equal opportunity and consideration, love and military threat. Ogoni home and abroad to oppose A plan to relocate this intimidation, rape, burning of qualitative education; they understanding. They do not deserves development like t h e R i v e r s S t a t e diabolical military base to their homes, extortion and deserve to be properly deserve to be occupied by the Port Harcourt as of right, not Government's proposed O g o n i m i g h t n o t b e killing of their parents, invested in, cared for, Nigerian Armed Forces, to mention the fact that it imposition of a deadly unconnected with the people's sibling and friends. The $hell, inspired and motivated which has demonstrated that sustained the nation with its military base in Ogoni. We refusal to allow oil extraction Abacha, Dauda Musa Komo, instead of being threatened by neither they nor their parents, oil resources for more than 35 have reasoned that investing without the implementation Paul Okuntimo's, etc. led the ubiquitous presence of etc. matters. They have been years. How long shall it in a trained police force of the nationality's demands military activities, crimes soldiers who have proven to r e p e a t e d l y s h o w n a n continue to be getting nothing (already stationed in the area) as prescribed in the Ogoni Bill against humanity and be enemies. Ogoni children unwillingness or inability to back, but death and a w i t h t h e r e s p e c t a n d of Rights (OBR), and against genocide of 1993 through like any children of the world be protected. OCAFAC USA degraded environment? protection for human rights is government's gimmick. 1996 are not lost on these must not be forced to suffer therefore call on the Federal, Finally, we call on all the feasible and acceptable Consequently, a vote against children. physically, psychologically S t a t e a n d L o c a l Ogonis at home and well option to a military base. Amaechi will stop the They are appalled by the or otherwise. Governments, and relevant meaning people of Rivers Military bases are not imposition of the military insensitivity of the present No child on earth national, international State and the nation at large to instruments for job creation base which motive could be to Nigerian Government, which deserves any form of ill g o v e r n m e n t a l a n d p r o t e s t t h i s p l a n n e d and other quality life prepare grounds for the allows "Governor" Chibuike treatment. Children do not nongovernmental bodies relocation aimed at exposing providers Ogonis need to forceful resumption of oil Amaechi to further the deserve the treatment forced (such as Amnesty Nigeria, the children and their parents support their children at the exploitation in Ogoni. aforementioned repressive down their throats by Civil Liberties Organization, t o d a n g e r s s u c h a s moment and in the long-term. Military institution is a and deadly agenda against the government when their Human Rights Africa, molestation, rape, extortion, The state government federal government business, Ogoni children. Children are nationality is constantly Amnesty International, harassment and death. They should therefore and as a but Amaechi is the person meant to be the most valued b o x e d , d i s r e s p e c t e d , United Nations, African have witnessed this before matter of urgency invest in (according to the Rivers State and protected group in any exploited, raped and polluted. Union among others) to and do not want to revisit job creation, electricity, Secretary to government) society. They do not merit the ensure the protection and such despicable scenes. simple pipe borne water who accepted to bear the The battered Ogoni challenges resulting from the adequate investment in, and Ogonis are especially asked supply which have been a relocation and development c h i l d r e n w h o n e e d government or military development of the Ogoni to vote against Amaechi in mirage for more than 50 years of the new site's cost. He is treatments, counseling and brutalization of their parents, and all other children around the forthcoming elections, if of false promises. The state therefore the one forcing the rehabilitation for defects sibling, loved ones and the globe. at all Nigeria will have the and Federal Government project on the already battered resulting from the inhuman friends. In short, no child Relocating a military grace to exist, vote fairly and should invest in hospitals, Ogonis, but also reported to military actions are denied should be made to become base which will further freely against the usual children emergency rooms or have completed plans to their rights to treatment and a hungry, uneducated, nor devastate them is not one of imposition of public officers clinics, recreational parks relocate the University of new life. A military base will should they have a sense of the measures needed for their and rulers. There is no reason and other sustainable Science and Technology from worsen their situations and bleak future. Children's rights development at the moment the Ogoni electorates should infrastructures and not a Port Harcourt to the Obima force them to endure are clearly written out and considering their ugly and support the election of deadly military camp. environs-where he comes dangerous psychological, protected by international unfortunate experiences with someone of Amaechi's OCAFAC views the planned from. In his thinking only his psychiatric and other health covenants or treaties and must the military institution in caliber for a continuous stay relocation of said military people deserve education, but conditions inimical to their be respected by the Nigerian Nigeria. Nigeria is not at war in office. His administration base or cantonment otherwise Ogonis deserve death by the development and growth. Government. w i t h O g o n i t h e r e f o r e is obviously illegal as he did known as Bori Camp, which brutality and guns of the No one can become an They merit adequate and relocating a military base not contest any election but was originally located in unprofessional military. adult without passing through qualitative health care from the state capital (Port use the backdoor to impose O g o n i a f t e r t h e O C A FA C o p p o s e h i s t h e d e v e l o p m e n t a l services. Ogoni children, like Harcourt) to Ogoni, which himself on the state. Nigeria/Biafra civil war as an mischievous moves and experiences of children. That all children on earth deserves government may have A vote against Amaechi's affront, insult and threat to demands educational and is, no children no adult! the best from their family, defined as a dumping ground bid to implement this policy the existence of the Ogoni other positive and growth- Children are our pride; the neighbors or neighborhoods, is crass and preposterous. is a vote for democracy, good children. based project instead. This is pride of the world, hence the friends, institutions and Ogoni children and people's governance, accountability, Ogoni children had proper for the Ogoni children, leaders of tomorrow and especially government which fears are real and must not be respect for the state and its suffered and still suffering parents and nationality. people contrary to what 32 year-old man, Selling Vulture as Chicken! Ogoni Monarch to Confer Abraham Kalu who Aa l l e g e d l y s e l l s Chieftaincy Title on British vulture meat as chicken to Seller Arrested unsuspecting members of Christmas gift to the newly the public has been arrested Humanitarian reconstituted members of the by the Police in Port in Port Harcourt ary Foxcroft a campus at Bane, Ken Saro Bodo chief's council. He Harcourt, Rivers State. further appeal to the king to T h e s u s p e c t w a s because his boss (Maxwell) strictly sold to native doctors B r i t i s h W iwa home town. King had told him that there are Humanitarian and Bebor said the conferment is grant them permission in arrested by the Police on a who use them for rituals, he G order that they will erect tip-off by traders at the mile more vultures in Port could neither name such founder of the Stepping in recognition of the activist signpost along the Bodo 3 slaughter in Diobu area of Harcourt, with an attendant clients nor explain why he Stone Nigeria, (a child right contribution towards the potential bigger catches and young and dynamic charity continous kindergarten water ways, so that marine Port Harcourt where he was had to dress and inject the drivers will take precaution seen catching vultures. higher profit. d e a d v u l t u r e s w i t h that work with grassroots educational growth of Bebor Kalu who said he is an p a r t n e r c o m m u n i t y Bodo and the Ogoni in order to minimize the high Our reporter gathered chemicals before selling rate of accident by speed t h a t s o m e v u l t u r e s indigene of Ndioji in them. organization to protect, save Nationality through the A r o c h u k w u L o c a l provision of Bore hole, and boat drivers plying the Bodo numbering six, were found On how he has been able and transform the lives of Government Area of Abia disadvantaged children in Scholarship to the less /Bonny water ways. in his bag when he was to evade arrest before now, state shocked the police the Niger Delta region of privilege as well as the T h e C h r i s t m a s arrested. the suspect said people officers at the mile 3 police Nigeria) will be conferred rehabilitation of the school, procession which took the T h e s u s p e c t t o l d believed him each time told station when he narrated with a chieftaincy title of especially the funding of an over one thousand pupils Policemen that he started the them that the vultures were how he catches the vultures Mene Vure 1 of Bodo. annex of the school by the round the 35 villages of filthy business three months for native doctors. by rubbing snuff on fresh T h i s w a s t h e Noami foxcroft Coekery Bodo ended at Saint ago, when he moved into According to him, a meat to make the vultures pronunciation made by the Centre named after Gary's Andrew's Anglican Mission Port Harcourt from Ohafia dressed vulture is sold for dizzy and too weak to fly Menebon Bodo HRH King wife also located at Bodo where the Bebor flag of town in neighbouring Abia between N500 and N1, 000 away after eating the meat. Felix Sunday Bebor Berebon City. knowledge a Book which is a State on completion of his depending on the size and He said after the catch, during the 2009 Xmas Carol Ealier Rev. Moses collection of poems, music, apprenticeship under one location of the transaction. he would dress the slain Community procession Nyimale Lezor an ordained rhymes and essay on Ogoni Maxwell, who is also H o w e v e r , p o l i c e vultures and inject a made by Bebor Int'l Model missionary teacher and and the Niger delta cultural engaged in a similar sources said a thorough N u r / P r i . S c h o o l , a founder of the school heritage and civilization business near the Army chemical into them to investigation into the matter m i s s i o n a r y l e a d i n g through an address read by edited by the school founder Barracks in Ohafia and i n s t a n t l y c l e a r t h e i r have commenced, but kindergarten educational KpooBari Vikina a teacher in was presented to a sea of Obinze in Abia and Imo offensive peculiar odour. advised members of the institution located in Bodo the school has presented a people who came from all states respectively. Although, he had earlier public to be cautious of what and with an extension live goat and a local gown to work of life for the end of The suspect said he told his interrogators that the they consume. the Menebon in council as a year ceremony. relocated to Port Harcourt dressed vultures were 10 Column Ogoni Star May 13 - 26, 2010 t was once said that the worth of a man is defined or consequent events pursuant to the election. measured by the value of his content not the size of his 3. Shop, assess and be convinced on the credibility, Iframe or more so outward appearance. (Emphasis is capability and track record of a suitable candidate mine). That is why some diminutive size people have become irrespective of the party. some of the world acclaimed heroes and or celebrities, 4. With recourse to enabling legal permits, organize fund coordinating and controlling men, women twice their physical With raising dinner to make available resources for both attributes. You may be wondering the reason behind the choice campaign and possible litigation in the event of of the title especially when our focus is on increased political Elvis Lebura Ikoma subversion of mandate. awareness towards improved positive, civilized political [email protected]. 5. Develop personal and group campaign organizations that participation. It has increasingly become necessary that we +234 8033524485 will plan and strategize early enough in conjunction with discuss some neglected but salient issues that impairs and choice party of the candidate for the choice candidate erode the worth of our individual values. How we set priorities within the ambit of the enabling electoral law and and upon what we set our priorities matter in this Handsome Or procedure so that his or her candidacy is not jeopardized. circumstance. I may be wrong, but you may observe with me 6. Mobilize eligible and registered voters to be present that most young people of our generation misplaces priorities at the pooling centers and also at the collation centers till so much that a lot are concerned with what impression their Beauty And Values election result is declared. look have on people. 7. Mobilize and sensitize co supporters with mapped No doubt, our continent, country, region, ethnicities little effort at rowing the boat makes an impact on the boat. In out civilized and legitimate strategies to defend their especially Ogonis are blessed with very handsome and your boat of life what effort are you making to row it? other collective mandate. Etc beautiful people. Perhaps because we are endowed with the wise you may have been stagnant. The outline of political actions listed above can not be resources of life that reduces our level of lack of food I may be disappointing the fans of this column that had understood and appreciate by people of low virtue and weak especially, we are blessed with warless conflicts that would poured in commendations and indicated willingness to join in value. The odds are overwhelming and understandable. have cost us our conveniences and make us look hollow and our campaign for conscious political participation. In the last Literacy level is a factor and in addition to that the political haggard. At every gathering of our people I see God's creative edition we declared the commencement of a campaign titled antecedents that characterize Nigerian politics have seriously artistry in both boys and girls that can compete for pageants Our Vote Must Count. This column will not renege on its eroded the confidence of the public in the process. This any where in the world. I see physiques they wear effortlessly avowed commitment to create awareness and consciencetize informed the lackluster attitude of especially the elite public which people spend serious money to attain in very expensive the eligible voting public to place value on their vote. And in towards politics. Most technocrats who can fend for their gyms all over. I see complexions and skin texture that glow yet search of tips that could improve the campaign, we discovered immediate families do not want to have any thing to do with were not treated to sophisticated cosmetics. I see body that no more value can be placed on sensitive political issues politics. They consider politicians as intellectual failures and contours that amplify the best of cloths and fashion in all its and the society than the worth of the value of individual social misnomer who want to take the short cut to a fulfilling elegance. But like Ecclesiastics the preacher would say “all is citizens that make up the society. There is the likelihood to life. They consider politics to be so dirty that, to them, even the vanity”. We need to realize that without quality content every under price oneself if one do not know his or her worth. The most respected political representative is not better than the container is worthless and not better than a piece of garbage, essence of the campaign is to bring the eligible voting public to recruited political thug from the motor park in judgment and talk less of the volume of noise it can make. the awareness that their vote is their currency with which they approach to issues. This notion is so deep seated that it may Handsome yes! Beautiful yes! But what value can you trade for better governance. America today is a typical only take aggressive campaign like we have embarked on to place on your self? If you were a piece of merchandise example. The teeming black populace where disenchanted change. I am optimistic that when credible, accountable, displayed for sale, how much will you worth in a competitive with American racist democracy and displayed weak trustworthy and transparent technocrats and elites of the market? These questions call for reflection. Some of us are apt participation in previous elections. Yet were politically aware society begin to declare their stake in politics, it will certainly to complain that there was nobody to sponsor us in school. and conscious that they have the power to change things. All arouse the needed interest and checks requisite for effectual Some that had some kind of sponsor but failed along the way they were waiting for is the right instrument for change. This governance. will claimed that they lacked advice. Like the Bible would say came in our brother and their black son, Senator Barack I emphasized in an earlier discourse that when we are we are inexcusable. Our fore fathers struggled hard to create Obama. careless about who eventually emerges as a political leader or the value of Goodwill that some of us enjoy today. It may not Here in Africa, Nigeria, Niger Delta and indeed all the representative, our collective destiny also tows the careless all have been about wealth of money and bequeathed estate but LGAs in Ogoni we have the power to change things for the path. His representative capabilities become ours, his policy the sacrifice to train our fathers out of nothing and in the face better. Rather than murmur, grumble or device wicked means endorsements becomes ours and his opinion becomes our of daunting economic challenges went along way to input a to show resentment and disapproval of the political leaderships opinion. This is what political representation means. If we content in the family upon which some of us are adding values. in place we need to utilize the power of our votes in negotiation must dictate the tone of governance, then we must pay the Like I said earlier, we are inexcusable more because of the and electing trusted and credible leadership. In doing this, piper through voting decisions. Truly speaking, there is a fear numerous opportunities that abound now that was not their in basic steps need taking. of the majority. If only we concert resolves we can change their time. Information sharing which is a key to knowledge 1. You must be eligible to vote by ensuring that you are things for the better. Add value to yourself and the society by acquisition and by extension economic power is done with registered and that your name is in the voters register. It is valuing your votes. Once again let me remind us that Our ease now. All we need to do is to set our mind on adding values a civil right. Vote Must Count if the desired change must be achieved. by all legitimate means. Our people say an adage that every 2. Be aware of the political timetable or calendar and For the Record

?The forum also calls for a strong and practicable advocacy for the implementation of the TCND Report and calls on each nationality group to undertake to disseminate the content of the report to all members of their community as well as use our Faith Based Organisations and social groups to sensitize the people. COMMUNIQUE OF THE NIGER DELTA ETHNIC NATIONALITIES' S/N Signatories AWARENESS CONFERENCE ON THE Report of the TCND REPORT 1 Chief (Dr) Mamamu SY [Chairman INC Western Zone] HELD AT THE HOTEL EXCEL, KM1, REFINERY ROAD, WARRI, 2 Barr. (Chief) V.B. Bamuza-Mutu National Legal Adviser INC DELTA STATE ON THRURSDAY, APRIL 29, 2010. 3 Comrade Ugbobi Peters 4 Agbor Uzezi one-day Ethnic Nationalities' Awareness Conference on the Report of the Technical Committee on the Niger Delta [TCND] organized by the Movement for the Survival 5 Efe Ideh of the Ogoni People [MOSOP] was held at Hotel Excel, KM 1, Refinery Road, Warri, 6 CAPJ Amos I.J. A th Delta State on the 29 of April, 2010. The following communiqué was issued:- 7 Mr. Paul Bukuwa After exhaustive discussions on the various issues raised in the report: The Conference 8 Madam Fuludu Mary observes as follows: 9 Mrs. Ogeh Agnes ?That it acknowledges MOSOP's efforts in reproducing and making available the TCND Report to the various peoples in the region at the grassroot, and also commends the organization 10 Amerika A. Ebiotu for such laudable initiative. 11 Osakwuni Tessy U. ?the non implementation of the salient recommendations of the Niger delta Technical 12 Hyacinith Nduizuokwu committee which represent a most credible road map for the resolution of the Niger delta crisis 13 Ndubuokwu Festus for the Niger Delta groups and need to urgently fashion out a credible framework to pressure the 14 Barr. B.D. Ekpese various levels of government to act on the Report; The Conference thus resolved as follows: 15 Achimota Dickson ? Urgently set up an Ethnic Nationalities' Representative Forum Action Committee to work 16 Prince John D. Egbe out modalities for a day of Action on the implementation of the recommendations of the TCND 17 Tari Dadiowei Report which should be held in Abuja. 18 Beatrice Sikpi ?Calls on each community based organizations (CBOs) and ethnic groups to sensitize their 19 Ambah Binaebi respective grass roots on the significant aspects of the report and the need for the people to pressure the respective governments towards the implementation of the TCND Report, which 20 Dorgu Fortune Tari is recognized as the most credible basis for the resolution of the Niger Delta issues. 21 Alagoa Morris ?Calls on MOSOP to further reproduce and distribute a simplified version of the Report to 22 Chief (Comrade) Nengi James enable the Ethnic communities in the region to sensitize all their members. 23 Doutimiye Ogbofa ?The Forum called for a reorganization of the current Amnesty programme for an effective 24 Ledum Mitee Disarmament, Demobilization, Reintegration and Rehabilitation to accord with international 25 Dr Sofiri Joab Peterside best practices. 11 Oil/Gas Ogoni Star May 13 - 26, 2010

lans to share petroleum wealth were meant to bring peace to Nigeria's troubled oil province. But Daniel The Curse of Oil Still Stalks Nigeria Delta PHowden finds that an arms amnesty is failing and the infrastructure, jobs and training. Once the groups had lain the creeks to join militant groups. Efforts to revive Delta remains a powder keg down their arms and a few commanders, like Mend's Rumuekpe have been complicated by repeated large scale oil It is a little after dark in Port Harcourt and the electricity "Boyloaf", had moved to Abuja, nothing more was done, she leaks that have further degraded the local environment. comes on long enough to illuminate a football match on the says. The fate of Rumuekpe, while bleak, is not exceptional. forecourt of a petrol station. For spectators, the young players "We're back where we started. Hundreds of communities nestled among the rivers, creeks have a line of parked cars waiting for a rumoured delivery of "There are more than 1,000 Boyloafs out there," she and swamps of the Delta have received a similarly bitter fuel the next morning. The dim light shows the exhaust fumes yells. "Do you think he's the only man in his community who dividend from the oil wealth being pumped out. of passing traffic and a game that's as enthusiastic as it is can carry a gun?" In many senses, the exception lies further out in shortlived. After five minutes, the lights go out. In her description, Africa's most populous nation is a Ogoniland, one of the few communities to turn its back Within a 200-mile radius of the capital of Rivers State place "where your vote can cost you your life"; a place of epic decisively on oil. The approach to K-Dere could not be more there is a higher concentration and larger reserves of sweet, corruption where" 97 per cent of the wealth is taken by a different to the wreckage of Rumuekpre. It offers a glimpse easily refined crude oil than anywhere else in the world. And handful of people"; where "police will kill you" for the of a different region that has been lost in the past half century yet the forecourt friendly gives a glimpse of much of what has equivalent of 50p. of drilling. Behind his tin-roofed house, Amstel Gbarakpor gone wrong in the Niger Delta: a toxic cocktail of "Violence is not the core of the issue, it's a symptom. It's feels compelled to start unloading yams on the floor to unemployment, fuel shortages, pollution, poverty and power the only way to get attention. We've warned the government illustrate the huge changes that have taken place in the once cuts. and the international community that this won't go away. The polluted soil around the village where the pumping stopped These are what people mean when they talk about the Niger Delta is a powder keg of nuclear proportions." in 1993. "underlying causes" of an armed uprising that halved Across town in his crumbling office overlooking the "Before we couldn't grow anything without large production in Africa's oil giant and eventually prompted a rusted rolling stock of the defunct colonial railway, Ledum amounts of fertiliser. Now we need no fertiliser at all," he much-vaunted and now failing amnesty. Mitee offers a living link with the peaceful protests of the says dusting the dirt off huge yams. A community leader who According to its own statistics the Nigerian government past. grew up during the worst of the oil abuses and mass protests has spent 8.6trn naira (£37bn) to disarm and rehabilitate Ken Saro-Wiwa and the activists who were hung under against Shell he remembers the dark days surrounding Saro- Delta militants whose attacks on oil installations, the dictator General Sani Abacha in 1995 were friends of the Wiwa's execution. kidnappings and bombings hobbled the energy sector and veteran lawyer who now heads the Movement for the "Because of Shell, we couldn't get crops like this" he moved world oil markets. The amnesty, which has cost 2.7m Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP). The amnesty, he says. "Shell was here from 1958 to 1993 and we got nothing. naira per militant, according to upper estimates of the number says, is just "patronage and corruption". The only tarred road led to the oil wells." of fighters, is now due to enter a second phase costing the "Just drop your guns and we'll give you some cash can't Those wells are staying sealed for now but talks are same amount again. be a substitute for a peace process." under way to relaunch operations with another company as A series of recent attacks, culminating in a multiple car Slumped over a fraying couch, he sounds tired. "You local feelings still run high at the mention of Shell. Despite bombing at the site of peace talks in the Delta's Bayelsa State always ring the bells, say this will have consequences and no the fertile fields of Ogoniland there is widespread support for last week claimed by the powerful Movement for the one listens." The oil companies claim there is now peace and another experiment with oil but on wholly different terms. Emancipation of the Niger Delta (Mend), have left many here cite increased oil production as evidence, he says. "They've "We know what happened before but the new leadership asking where the money went. just bought some time. People's lives have not improved and won't take the shit that we took," says the 48 year old. Part of the answer is supposed to lie about 30 miles they are saying 'we have dropped our guns and you are getting Some remain sceptical that if Ogoniland agrees to let the outside Port Harcourt at Aluu, one of the half dozen amnesty more revenue and we are getting more misery'." oil companies back in that they will escape the conflicts that camps where the young fighters who emerged from the Solutions are not necessarily as elusive as they seem, he continue all around them. creeks to lay down their weapons are supposed to be starting argues. "There are simple things that you can do to tie Back towards the main road an ominous reminder of past their new lives. A rundown series of outbuildings with a production to community benefits." He reels of a list: use atrocities rumbles in, in the form of a Shell convoy on its way rusted sign advertising its former existence as an agricultural electricity at oil company flow stations to give power and to cap some of the rusting wells that are scattered through the college, Aluu is home to 300 surrendered militants. It's pump water to local communities; put royalties per barrel into fields of K-Dere. The truck is escorted into this enemy guarded by a handful of bored soldiers tasked with keeping a community trust fund making people allies in production. territory by black jeeps known as "scorpions" from the Joint journalists out and militants in. But in the stifling heat they These are not revolutionary ideas they have been written Task Force the Nigerian security forces deployed so often as manage neither. in numerous international and local reports. But this does not the oil industry's enforcers in the Delta. For all the talk of The camp's de facto leader is a tall and powerfully built mean the government is stupid either. "We're not right to revenue sharing and peaceful partnerships for development man who calls himself Prince Wisdom. Formerly second in assume that oil companies or the government are serious the lead scorpion carries a different message. Above the command to Dokubo Asari, he was among the most senior when they say they want the conflict resolved. heads of the heavily armed black-clad soldiers the legend militants to take part in the amnesty. And he's not happy with "Once the lives of these people improve even marginally "Warlord" has been painted by hand in white letters. the results. "Nothing is being done up to this day," he says, they will not buy loyalty so easily. Remember you have to Natural Wealth: Nigerian Energy sitting in the back of a car parked at a safe distance from the break the legs of the people to sell them crutches." *Nigeria is the eighth largest exporter of oil in the world camp. "The boys are not being rehabilitated. There is no Rumuekpe is one of these broken places. An hour outside as well as being the fifth biggest source of US imports, and water and no lights in the camp." Port Harcourt a once thriving community of 5,000 people is contends with Angola to be the largest producer in Africa. His "boys" receive a monthly stipend of 10,500 naira but now a collection of ruins being slowly reclaimed by the dense *At full capacity the industry can produce three million nothing else. Many of them have tired of the charade and left. jungle. barrels a day but militant attacks in the Niger Delta have cut Promises made to him personally have been broken, he says Only a handful of people remain, several of them camped production by an estimated 40 per cent. angrily, including a deal to relocate his family. out in the stripped down shell of what was once the town hall, *In the last three decades oil has earned Nigeria $300bn Before the 29 year old became a prince he was Jihad the only two-storey structure still standing. In the distance a (£200bn) but the average Nigerian has grown poorer over the Amacribe a junior officer in the army who deserted after the rushing sound like a waterfall can be heard where a gas flare same time span. execution of Delta activist Ken Saro-Wiwa. The militants are sends a black and stinking cloud into the sky. Burning since *Nigeria has the seventh largest proven gas reserves in not criminals as the government calls them, he insists. They 1967 it is surrounded by sands the colour of tar. the world. fought because of the "deprivation" and "because nothing is Walking through chest high grass towards his old house, done for the Niger Delta" which produces more than 95 Emeka Eke explains what happened here. percent of the country's export earnings. The discovery of oil in the 1960s huge deposits of it Poem Only 120 of his boys have remained at the camp, the originally inspired great hopes that this modest farming others have drifted home or back to the creeks where many of community would develop rapidly. However, a policy of their weapons were hidden rather than handed in. "You can't "divide and rule" by the companies that came to Rumuekpe, take someone who was licking sugar and give him salt to lick he says, eventually led to a nightmarish cycle of violence that Growing Up and expect him to be happy," he warns. pitched neighbour against neighbour in competition for While complaining of asthma and death threats from his money. Waving goodbye to your pocket erstwhile boss, Mujahid Dokubo-Asari, Prince Wisdom is "This is where my sister was killed," says Emeka childhood's sweetest The kind you love to forget running out of patience: "If they don't settle me I will use my pointing to some bullet holes in the broken masonry. "She fantacies And dinner is only a thought last blood to fight them. I will destroy a lot of things." was about to have a child, her husband died too, here, in my To brace life's truest in your head Among the key architects of the amnesty was then- garden." realities Till you go to bed spokeswoman for Mend, Annkio Briggs. She shuttled back Rival factions sprang up with the backing of oil money, Singing! and forth between the capital Abuja and the militant camps locals allege, and a vicious civil war was fought. Evidence of “Though life throws me to No more daddy's frequent for months. Sitting in her house in the back streets of Port the battle lies strewn about the place among burnt out houses. the brick wall toy gifts Harcourt she's unequivocal in saying that the amnesty has "The companies would give money and food to whichever I'll never fall And mummy's tender kiss failed: "The issue of the Delta and the financial crisis when group was winning," he says. I'll always stand fall lifts oil production went under 1 million barrels a day made the Throughout this period, four oil majors Agip, Shell, Total I will grow up” For those who use to have it government offer the amnesty." and Niger Delta Petroleum Resources have pumped hundreds Now hustling and hustling Looking less like a militant and more like a veteran of millions of dollars out of the shattered community. I know growing this way under sun and rain flamenco dancer with blood red nails, shoes, belt and hair Emeka is part of a residents' association that has tried to Gives a lot of stories to say With you alone to feel the scraped back, she shouts above the din of a tropical rainstorm document what happened and begin the process of But you surely wouldn't pain drumming the roof. "There wasn't insecurity because the reconciliation and return. They estimate that as many as 200 choose growing my way When it seems impossible people of the Niger Delta wanted insecurity; it's because of people died in the area before the community was abandoned The hard way to reach the top neglect, abuse and looting of the people's resources." in 2005. An independent report carried out by the local rights Nothing seems fair when … Know it's the pangs of She says she believes the government intended to use a NGO Social Action was unequivocal in blaming big oil for its Your crunching footsteps growing up. rejection of the amnesty as a pretext to unleash the army and divisive actions. on the coal far "declare war" on the people of the Niger Delta. The ceasefire Local leaders are determined to keep their protests Is not a sign you'll go far Annah Dornubari has "called their bluff" and exposed false promises about peaceful but admit some of their youth have left in the past to When breakfast is a pie in (choicepoet) n its quest for the Federal Government implementation of the Recommendations of the Technical Committee on the Niger IDelta, MOSOP continued its Awareness/Sensitization Programme for Ethnic Nationalities in the Niger Delta. Pictures VOICE OF NIGER DELTA PEOPLE below are scenes of one of the fora in Warri, Delta State, recently. Voll.. 1101, ,N Noo 1. .4 J. a Mnuaayr y1 31 0- -2 262, , 200190 NN10100..000

MOSOP President, Ledum Mitee making a speech at the Ethnic Nationalities Conference Resource Person, Dr. Sofiri Peterside speaking at the Conference Pictures below are scenes at MOSOP Inter-Kingdom Meeting held at Ebubu, Eleme recently

A Cross Section of participants at the Ethnic Nationalities Conference Some Key MOSOP Officials singing the Ogoni anthem at the MOSOP Inter-Kingdom meeting in Ebubu, Eleme

FOWA Group making a presentation at the MOSOP Inter-Kingdom Meeting at Ebubu, A Participant making contribution at the Conference Eleme

Cross Section of participants at the MOSOP Inter-Kingdom Meeting at Ebubu, Eleme A Participant making contribution at the Conference

Published by Ogoni Star Communications with the support of MOSOP. Editor: Sunday Zorvah. Address all correspondence to the Editor, Ogoni Peace, Freedom Centre, Bori; 6 Otonahia Close, Off Olu-Obasanjo Road, Port Harcourt. Tel: 084-233907, 0806-0299600. ISSN 2006-2389, E-mail: [email protected], [email protected], online Edition: www.mosop.org