Remembrance Day Service For The Ogoni 9
cork |
rights, freedoms and repression |
news report 
Monday November 09, 2009 12:36
by Philip Ikurusi - Niger Delta Awareness
The 10th of November 2009 will be the 14th anniversary of the judicial murder of the Ogoni 9.We continue to remember these incomparable martyrs for their sacrifice which was immeasurable and ultimate in all senses
Our people’s insistence on the principles of non-violence, environmental responsibility, fundamental human rights and democratic accountability are derived from what our martyrs were killed for. Oil exploration and irresponsible exploitation of our natural resources by hostile multi-nationals supported by violent and corrupt juntas and administrations have been the bane of our people.
Ogoni land is still polluted, our biodiversity has been affected ,our waters contaminated, our air poisonous, birth defects are not uncommon, mortality rate depressingly high , development activity derisive. Yet our people remain hopeful for eventual complete justice.
Recent news of settlement in the Class action case against Shell in the U.S has sent a misleading signal of resolution to the outstanding matter of the oil company’s culpability in the poor environmental condition of land and involvement in the murder of our patriots. The amount agreed can in no way compensate for what we have lost, neither can it take our community anywhere in terms of the need for sustainable rehabilitation, jobs, healthy and secure existence, a future fit for our children and the right to have a political voice to represent our people’s aspirations. The settlement of $15 Million Dollars is derisory in terms of the billions of dollars which Shell and its corrupt accomplicist have milked from Ogoniland.
Whilst we remember our often named patriots, Ken Saro Wiwa, Saturday Dobee, Nordu Eawo, Daniel Gbooko, Paul Levura, Felix Nuate, Baribor Beara, Barinen Kiobel, and John Kpuinee,we must also remember, pray and seek support for other Ogonis who were killed in the same period in the state’s attempt to break and silence our people. Many are still dying from the consequences of the brutal actions and neglect by the oil companies and successive Nigerian administrations.
Mosop is grateful to all those who have supported the struggle of the Ogoni people, we are grateful for the continuing support .
The struggle goes on.
Mosop - UK invites you to the 14th memorial service for the slained Ogoni nationalists.
Place - St. Pancras Church, Euston Road, London, NW1
Time - 09.00 A.M
Nearest Tube Station - Euston.
For and on behalf of Mosop
Gbenewa Phido
Harrison Neenwi
Comments (4 of 4)
Jump To Comment: 1 2 3 4Thanks for the reminder; we will light a candle & forward the info.
With thanks to Cork for hosting this event for 2 years in 07 and 08, it moves again as has been its tradition, to Erris locating in Kilcommon Lodge and Inver Community Hall from Thursday 26 November to Sunday 29. It was in Geesala in 2001 and Castlebar in 2004 and many other places for each of the 13 years it has been held. One cannot forget the unveiling of the KSW mural at Bellanaboy on the 10th anniversary in 1995. Today the fourteenth anniversary of the deaths of the Ogoni 9 it is proper to mark it with the announcement of the Memorial Seminar which is open to all.
The Ogoni 9 were commemorated today in a small protest outside Corrib House, the Shell Headquarters in Dubin. A few people traveled from Mayo this morning to remember the 9 men who were killed because of they opposition to Shell.
The commemoration was still going on the last I heard. Leaflets outlining what Shell are currently doing in Mayo were handed out.
Ogoni 9 murdered by Shell
It is and will remain important to remember the Ogoni 9 and all the Ogoni people for as long as Shell's depredations continue in the Delta.
Those of us in Erris who have researched Enterprise Oil and, since 2002, Royal Dutch Shell have a real empathy with the Ogoni people and will continue to fight to ensure that what Shell did to them will not be done to us and to the beautiful - and safe - Barony of Erris.
We remember and salute the Ogoni 9.
Indymedia Ireland is a media collective. We are independent volunteer citizen journalists producing and distributing the authentic voices of the people. Indymedia Ireland is an open news project where anyone can post their own news, comment, videos or photos about Ireland or related matters.