By: Felix Ikpotor
Following the alleged payment of the sum of $300million meant for oil impacted areas in Ogoniland to Nyesom Wike, Federal Capital Territory Minister, a group, Greater Ogoni in Diaspora Organisation, GODO, is now demanding for explanation on how the money was expended.
The money was paid by the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, to Ogoni communities in 2023 while Wike was still governor of Rivers State.
The group said if Wike fails to explain how the money was spent, they would drag him to court and also petition him before the United Nations and other international agencies.
GODO in a statement by its leader, Chief Ambrose Kii also gave the former Rivers State Governor 21 days ultimatum to tender details of the fund or face massive action from Ogoni people.
“We, the Greater Ogoni In Diaspora Organisation (GODO), write to express our deep concern and demand an explanation regarding the alleged diversion of $300million released by NNPC Ltd for development of oil-impacted communities in Ogoni during your tenure as Governor of Rivers State. This allegation has been brought to our attention, and we expect a comprehensive response from you within 21 days,” the group said.
The group noted that the Ogoni people have suffered tremendously due to environmental degradation, genocide, neglect, and marginalization, insisting that the alleged diversion of fund is unacceptable.
“The release of funds by NNPC Ltd was a welcome development, intended to address an aspect of the developmental needs of our community. However, the alleged diversion of these funds is unacceptable and has further exacerbated the suffering of our people, reminding us about worst experiences from the government”.
“We remain deeply scarred and are still grappling with the sacrifices made by our heroes and heroines, including Ken Saro-Wiwa and many other Ogonis, who fought tirelessly for environmental justice. The fact that another injustice has been perpetrated against us is a bitter pill to swallow. We can’t help but ask: how long will we continue to suffer at the hands of Nigerian governments? The memory of our heroes and heroines cannot be allowed to fade in vain. The alleged theft of funds meant to address the very issues they fought for is a betrayal of their legacy and a slap in the face of their sacrifices. It is an insult to their memory and a slap in the face of the Ogoni people for these funds to be allegedly diverted and we will not stand idly by while the sacrifices of our people are disrespected in this manner,” the group insisted.
The group said they have heard from those alleging the diversion of funds, adding that it is imperative for the Minister to explain his own part as his silence on the matter deems acceptance of the allegations.
“We expect a detailed explanation, including: Confirmation of the receipt of the $300million by the Rivers State Government, a breakdown of how the funds were utilized, evidence of projects executed with the funds and names of contractors and companies involved in the projects if any.
“Failure to address the Ogoni people and provide a satisfactory explanation within the stipulated timeframe will leave us no choice but to take the following actions: Drag you to court to seek justice and accountability, report the matter to anti-graft agencies, such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), for investigation and prosecution, petition various embassies and international organizations, including the United Nations, to highlight the plight of the Ogoni people and the alleged misuse of funds meant for their development and mobilize the Ogoni people and other stakeholders to demand justice and accountability,” the Ogoni group threatened.
The group maintained that any money released for the development of Ogoni community will not be diverted by any individual or group and go scot-free, stressing further that they are ready to fight lawfully to ensure that justice is served.
