In a decisive move, Ogoni youths have outlined their conditions for the resumption of oil production in their region, demanding justice for the victims of past political executions and a commitment to transparent and inclusive negotiations. The statement comes amidst ongoing discussions between the Nigerian government and various stakeholders about restarting oil drilling in Ogoniland, which has been suspended for decades due to environmental and political issues.
Under the umbrella of the National Youth Council of Ogoni People (NYCOP), the youth leaders have made it clear that they are open to the prospect of oil resumption but will not accept any deals that do not address their historical grievances and the broader interests of the Ogoni community.
Emmanuel Barinuazor, the President of NYCOP, stated unequivocally that the government’s actions must begin with the exoneration of late environmental activist Ken Saro-Wiwa and the other Ogoni Nine who were unjustly executed in 1995. Their deaths, which followed controversial trials, remain a painful chapter in Nigeria’s history and a central point of contention for many in the region.
“We cannot move forward unless the blood of our martyrs is given the justice they deserve,” Barinuazor declared after a pivotal meeting held in the Yeghe community of Ogoniland. “Saro-Wiwa and his colleagues were innocent, and we demand that the federal government formally exonerates them as a matter of principle.”
The Push for Political Transparency
This bold stance by the Ogoni youths comes at a time when oil production, which has been suspended in Ogoniland for over 25 years due to environmental degradation and the activism of the Ogoni people, is being reconsidered by the federal government. The issue of oil drilling in Ogoni, a region rich in petroleum resources, has long been fraught with tension, particularly following the killings of environmentalists and activists who had challenged the oil companies’ operations, particularly Shell, which was accused of causing extensive environmental damage.
At the heart of the NYCOP’s demands is a call for the Nigerian government to prioritize engagement with the people of Ogoniland, rather than with politicians who may not represent their interests. King Solomon Ndigbara, the Gbenemene Bua-Bori (Traditional Ruler of the Bua-Bori Kingdom), who played a central role in a recent reconciliation effort within the Ogoni community, emphasized that any agreement on oil production must include the voices of the people directly affected by the operations.
“We must not allow politicians to hijack this process,” King Solomon stated in his address after the NYCOP meeting. “The federal government must engage with the Ogoni people as a whole and not through their representatives who have shown time and again that they are more interested in political gain than in the welfare of the people.”
A Call for Unity Amidst Division
The plea for unity within the Ogoni community is another significant aspect of the youth’s position. Despite recent efforts to reconcile internal divisions, tensions persist among different factions of the Ogoni people. King Solomon, in his speech, warned that such divisions could undermine their collective bargaining power, urging all Ogoni groups to set aside their differences in the face of this critical issue.
“A divided house cannot stand,” the traditional ruler warned. “If we are to succeed, we must speak with one voice. The future of our land and our people depends on it.”
The Ogoni people, particularly the youth, have long been at the forefront of environmental and human rights campaigns in Nigeria. The struggle for justice for Saro-Wiwa and the other victims of the Ogoni Nine remains a defining issue for the region, and it is clear that no agreement on oil production will be acceptable without first addressing this historical injustice.
Saro-Wiwa’s Legacy: A Symbol of Resistance
Ken Saro-Wiwa, a writer and environmental activist, became a symbol of resistance against the exploitation of Nigeria’s oil resources, particularly by multinational corporations like Shell. His advocacy for the rights of the Ogoni people, whose land had been ravaged by oil spills and environmental degradation, led to his imprisonment and subsequent execution by hanging in 1995. The trials that led to his death were widely condemned as a miscarriage of justice, and his execution sparked international outcry.
Since that time, the Ogoni people have remained steadfast in their calls for justice, with the continued exoneration of Saro-Wiwa and his comrades becoming a cornerstone of any discussions about the region’s future. The NYCOP has emphasized that true reconciliation and progress in Ogoniland cannot occur until these past wrongs are addressed.
“We are not asking for special treatment,” Barinuazor explained. “We simply want to ensure that the past is not forgotten, and that those who suffered for standing up for justice are remembered. Only then can we move forward with the oil resumption talks.”
Environmental Concerns: A Key Issue
The environmental impact of oil extraction in Ogoniland also remains a critical point of discussion. Over the years, Ogoni communities have borne the brunt of oil pollution, which has devastated local ecosystems, harmed agriculture, and threatened the livelihoods of countless families. The plight of the Ogoni people has attracted global attention, with environmental organizations calling for reparations and stronger safeguards for affected communities.
In response to the ongoing environmental concerns, the Nigerian government recently announced the creation of the University of Environment in Ogoniland, an initiative aimed at addressing the region’s environmental degradation and promoting sustainable development. The announcement has been met with cautious optimism from the Ogoni people, with King Solomon Ndigbara acknowledging the effort but urging the government to ensure the university’s objectives align with the region’s broader development goals.
“We appreciate the establishment of the university, but it must not be an empty gesture,” King Solomon remarked. “It must bring tangible benefits to our people and be a part of a broader strategy for environmental restoration in Ogoniland.”
