ERA Wants SPDC To Pay For Ogoni Clean-Up

The Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria (ERA/FoEN) and other groups across the world under the aegis of Friends of the Earth International have demanded justice for Ogoni people urging Nigerian government to compel Shell to pay the full cost of cleaning up Ogoni land as recommended by the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) .
The group made the call last week during the commemoration of the 20th anniversary of  the murder of playright Ken Saro Wiwa and eight other Ogoni leaders at the hands of former Heal of state Gen. Sani Abacha.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Chairman of the Group, Dr.Godwin Uyi Ojo said  Ken Saro-Wiwa is now a figure acclaimed globally for showing how people power can win over polluting corporate giants and dirty energy.
He noted that the social and environmental crisis and injustice exposed by Ken Saro Wiwa in the oil-rich and massively polluted Niger Delta area is stilf ongoing, stressing that the people of Ogoniland are still suffering from the effects of  50 years of land, air and water pollution by the oil industry.
According to him,”Ken Saro Wiwa’s legacy is not only a major source of inspiration to the people of Nigeria, it also serves as a beacon of hope to people across the world struggling for environmental justice.
“Oil companies such as Shell continue to dodge their responsibility. They must prevent further spills, clean up, and provide adequate compensation to people affected by oil pollution in Nigeria, “ he said .
The body which organised its annual National Environmental Consultation,’ended the event with a Ken Saro Wiwa Night Vigil.