CSOs Demand Action on Ogoni Bill of Rights Before Oil Resumption

Civil society organizations (CSOs) are calling on the Nigerian federal government to address the demands contained in the Ogoni Bill of Rights prior to the resumption of oil production in the Ogoni area. The CSOs emphasize the need for a holistic implementation of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) recommendations, which include quashing the murder charges against late activist Ken Saro-Wiwa and addressing other demands.

They argue that healing the wounds of the Ogoni people is essential before considering oil production resumption. The demands also include granting the Ogoni people a stake in oil production and ownership of companies operating in Ogoniland.

The CSOs made these demands during a community-led workshop in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where participants carried placards advocating for environmental restoration and the cessation of oil pollution. Dr.

Fynefac Dumnamen, Executive Director of YEAC, highlighted the importance of addressing these issues to fully restore the environment and the rights of the Ogoni people.