Katherine Abayomi.
Ogoni in Rivers State continue to endure the devastating consequences of decades-long oil pollution, even as fresh revelations expose massive fraud and mismanagement of funds intended for their development and environmental restoration.
It has been alleged that the sum of $300 million was paid by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) under the formal GMD NNPCL MELE KYARI as compensation to the Ogoni people for Oil Mining Lease (OML) 11, was diverted by the previous administration of the Rivers State Government in collaboration with certain individuals claiming to represent Ogoni interests.
President of Ogoni Liberation Initiative Dr Douglas Fabeke speaking to press stated that the Leadership of the organisation was deeply involved in a case that led to the victory of the Federal Government through NNPCL over Shell through the supreme Court.
Douglas mentioned the organisations efforts between the two Organization and consultantations with different oil bearing Communities to withdrew all cases against Government and shell from Court which records and resolution were all submitted to Former GMD National (NNPCL) Mele Kyari. This was done after the victory of the Supreme Court with promises by the past GMD NNPCL Mele Kyari but with no result till date he stated.
” Several meetings were held in Lagos and Abuja on how to peacefully resolve and manage all the Ogoni Communities for a successful business and development/restoration of the Ogoni Communities .One of the highest event were held in Bori Ogoni , the Ogoni People gathered in their thousands to welcome the NNPCL after the victory in the Supreme Court .Promises were made through the combine management of the GMD NPDC AND NNPCL ,non of those promises were fulfilled. “
Douglas revealing that the former administration of the Rivers State Government has repeatedly claimed that it negotiated and reached a settlement with Ogoni communities regarding this compensation but till date the government has failed to provide any evidence of the communities it engaged nor settlement agreement.This shows the governments lack of transparency and reinforces the belief that no such settlement ever took place, and the funds have been misappropriated.
President Ogoni Liberation Initiative Dr Douglas mentioned the Misappropriation of $ 1 billion allocation by the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) for the environmental Clean -up of Ogoni land with no tangible progress on the project.
It was also discovered that companies contracted for that exercise where not qualified with 9 transactions done in batches from the $366million dollars linked with the Ogoni Trust Fund account.
There is also a revelation of over 27 billion Naira used for water project by HYPREP in some communities which by investigation and evidence reveals that substandard materials(pipes) where used making the water unsuitable for drinking as proved by the test.
The group stated that attempts have been made by letters to Minister of environment Mallam Balarabe Abbas lawal drawing his attention to this unfortunate incident which has proved abotive.
They call for full accountable and transparency from the NNPCL and the Rivers State government on the $300 million compensation to also investigate this case and also check the hand over activities of OML11 of Shell to NNPCL, and what agreement was made on behalf of the Communities by the office of the president Of Nigeria.
That Mr Tinubu the President of Nigeria should set up an independent investigation into the diversion of these funds, with those responsible held accountable.
A forensic audit of HYPREP’s spending to determine how the $366 million meant for the cleanup of Ogoni land has been utilized.
For an Immediate and genuine engagement with the Ogoni people to ensure justice, proper compensation, and an effective cleanup of our polluted lands.
They also demand for a total restructuring of HYPREP for effectiveness and to enhance their performance for the benefits of the communities.
The renaming of HYPREP to Ogoni Restoration authority as recommended by the UNEP report.
A Dissolution of the Governing Council and board of Trustee of HYPREP and Setting up of a technical committee to probe the financial and procurement engagement of HYPREP from 2016 till date.
Douglas stated that Mr president should look into the Exoneration of Late Ken Saro and eight others who paid the painful sacrifice for a better environment and our economic freedom.
“Mr. President our address today is focus strictly on the $300 Million by NNPCL and the Ogoni Environmental Challenges .When these is address , it will lead us into other successful activities in Ogoni in collaboration with the Federal Government such as the oil resumption and the Economic development of the Ogoni people as recommended in the Ogoni Bill of Right .
“We wish to re-affirm our confidence in you as our President and your renew Hope Agenda. It is our desire and interests of the entire Ogoni people would find fulfilment under your able Leadership and Agenda. We shall also go extra mile to mobilize support and play positive role for the success of your administration and the Unity of Nigeria.”
He called on the Anti-corruption agencies and international community to intervene and ensure justice is served for the Ogoni people.