Ogonis Agrees On Self Rule

Dear All,

OGONI SELF GOVERNMENT, AT LAST

It took over 20 years and the lives of prominent and innocent men to get the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) through the UN General Assembly. On September 13, 2007, the Declaration finally passed. Nigeria accepted its obligation- the Ogoni people; the only Indigenous People noticed on the scene from Nigeria.

Between 2007 and 2011, we have had several Ogoni political and community leaders. None of them dared to stand their ground and publicly lay claim to an international Law that has evolved in support of our Struggle to end internal colonization, political marginalization, economic strangulation and environmental degradation. Instead, the noble cause and the once vibrant MOSOP, had been reduced to an organization seeking kitchen cabinet positions in Rivers State, with hardly any representation at the Center. They have been playing second fiddle. Individuals trading and selling contracts meant for our advancement, including and through the NDDC. Thus, our MOSOP, became a mere masquerade and appendage to every irresponsible politician, who didn’t even care about their own people either. Sad, indeed, sad and regrettable.

On August 2, 2012, Rivers State, Nigeria and the world had the second sting of the Ogoni people via MOSOP, when Dr. Goodluck Diigbo who had been on exile since 1995, but had returned to assume the leadership of the body, as MOSOP President and Spokesman. Armed with the UNDRIP, which unequivocally GUARANTEES EVERY INDIGENOUS PEOPLE, the Right to Self- Rule, or Self-Government or Self Determination, otherwise known as POLITICAL AUTONOMY DEMANDED BY THE OGONI PEOPLE.

In a public address in Bori, that attracted over 400,000 Ogonis, Diigbo challenged the Ogoni people to accept responsibility for their own neglect. He made a solemn Declaration, in which he urged Ogoni people to commence a genuine process, including holding two referenda, to reclaim all our Indigenous Rights enshrined in the Ogoni Bill of Rights (OBR), supported by the International Law. He pledged to assist, guide our neighbors, if they asked for help, but it was not the responsibility of the Ogoni People, or wait for them. Nigeria OBLIGATED in accordance with its commitment to the Charter of the United Nations and over 20 pieces of international laws that support the Ogoni Self-Government to determine our fate, economically, politically and socially.

Due to lack of proper understanding by a section of Ogoni people attached to the corrupt system that has almost ruined a beautiful nation state called Nigeria, they shockingly expressed fear of losing out in their political parties. This delayed our sense of urgency, and caused logistical logjam for about two years. Good enough, we devoted the time building institutions and capacity; inaugurated the Ogoni National Legislative Assembly (ONLA), established Ogoni indigenous Political Parties and get each village council prepared to play active roles in their own destiny.

Against these backdrop and in compliance with all legitimate instruments, we hereby make bold to implore all Ogonis to be part of the planned Elections into positions of Governors of the Eight Provinces (former kingdoms) of Babbe, Ban-Ogoi, Bori National Territory, Eleme, Gokana, Kenkhana, Nyokhana and Tai. Activities of our self-government are imminent and will be decisive. Do not be left out, and do not be left behind. Every position into the executive of the Ogoni Central Indigenous Authority is contestable.

Every Ogoni child, man and woman should wake-up. Join us now, respect the process and be counted as a responsible Ogoni citizen. Register in any of the four parties, contest for any position, vote and be voted for. This is what Paul Naakuu Timothy Birabi worked for! This is what Kenule Beeson Saro-Wiwa died for!! This is what Dr. Goodluck Diigbo lives for and has come to fulfil!!!

Together "we are the Ogoni people with a new nation to defend, protect and preserve".

On behalf of OCIA, and the good people of Ogoni, I thank all those that have given us support to see this day.

JOHN LAR-WISA
Administrator, OGEPA.
Also
Secretary, Amnesty Intl Nig. Grp. 17