Ogoni: MOSOP Denounces Extensive Delays of Ogoniland Environmental Clean-Up
Photo courtesy of Akintunde Akinleye 2011 @Photoshtab
Against the background of growing fears over the extent of damage reckless oil extraction has done to the livelihood systems of local communities, the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) has decried the delay of a large-scale clean-up project for the Niger Delta region. The Nigerian government had earlier this year agreed to execute this project and thereby fully implement recommendations made by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). MOSOP spokesperson Fegalo Nsuke points out that the delays have exacerbated health problems, calling current living conditions of local communities a “nightmare”.
The article below is courtesy of News 24:
The Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) has slammed the delays in the implementation of the Ogoniland cleanup saying it was exacerbating health problems. MOSOP spokesperson, Fegalo Nsuke, said under current conditions living in the region was a “nightmare” for communities.
“The health crises in Ogoniland underscore the need to immediately commence the process to clean Ogoniland,” Nsuke said. He said delays in appointing a project manager and attempts by politicians to jettison competence and experience in favour of political party considerations could not be accepted.
“The lives and future of Ogonis cannot be traded by politicians whose glaring performance outcomes as leaders in our country have been corruption, looting and failures that have now left us with a dying environment, poor health facilities and a severely dysfunctional society.” Nsuke spoke after visiting Ogoni communities as Biara, Bori, Boue, Kpean and Yeghe. “The final verdict is that death is on the prowl in Ogoniland,” he said.
