The President and Chief Executive Officer of the Ogoni Liberation Initiative (OLI), Fabeke Douglas, has criticized a few individuals attempting to divert public attention, asserting that the era of exploiting God-given resources in Ogoniland without accountability is coming to an end. He expressed regret that since Shell's arrival in Ogoniland in 1958, the people of the region have suffered immense hardship due to oil exploration without proper consent or adequate development of local communities, while their resources were used to develop the entire country.
Demand for Fair Compensation
In a statement made available to The Guardian, Douglas stated, "We are now aware of our rights and demand fair compensation for the oil extracted from our land." He noted that the tragic execution of Ken Saro-Wiwa and eight others, along with numerous sons and daughters of Ogoni, would not have occurred if due process had been followed.
Criticism of Self-Interested Leaders
The OLI chief pointed out that certain leaders, driven by self-interest, are willing to compromise Ogoni's interests. One such individual reportedly described him as an inconsequential figure from Ogoniland to a high-ranking Nigerian official in Abuja. "We will continually emphasize that the era of exploiting Ogoni's resources without accountability is coming to an end," Douglas said. "We urge those receiving funds from oil companies and the federal government to familiarize themselves with the 'Ogoni Bill of Rights,' which represents our collective voice."
Commitment to Defending Ogoni Cause
According to Douglas, "We are committed to defending our cause through spiritual, political, and comprehensive means. Although we have the opportunity to negotiate for the Bori State and fund our vision, some leaders continue to engage in secret meetings with government officials and companies." He maintained that upon reviewing certain documents, they were overcome with emotion, but ultimately, the truth will come to light, and their actions will be exposed.
Funding for Bori State
Douglas hinted that various nations and groups are preparing to provide funding for Bori State. He noted that the Dialogue Committee would have focused its efforts on the creation of Bori State, as the entire Ogoni community—both locally and internationally—would have invested significant interest in the state project. "However, we lack unity and effective representation in the National and State Houses of Assembly. There has been an absence of political negotiation and mobilization centered on the interests of the people."
Call for Right Choices
"It is crucial for the Ogoni and Rivers people to make the right choices, lest we perpetuate a mentality that hinders our progress. If we refuse to make the right choice and stand firm, I will exempt myself from the next slavery agenda. Ogoni Arise," he concluded.
