From Victor Edozie, in Port Harcourt
Amnesty International Nigeria has formally presented its report titled “Nigeria: Lifting the Lid” to the people of the Niger Delta.
Speaking at the launch in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, the Director of Amnesty International Nigeria, Isa Sanusi, said November 10 is a very important day for the people of Nigeria and the people of the Niger Delta.
He said the report, which was launched some months ago, exposed evidence of negligence and failure to protect the environment in the oil-producing areas.
Sanusi said many people have lost their lives and livelihoods as a result of decades of oil pollution, and the environment has been badly damaged.
He said Amnesty International did not want the report to just end like that, but wants the people to read it and take it to the ordinary man in the villages, especially in Ogoniland and other parts of the Niger Delta.
According to him, the report is meant to trigger action, bring change, and start a conversation that will build commitment to activism, commitment to change, and commitment to accountability.
He stressed that no one, whether oil companies or government, is above the law, and everyone must be held accountable.
Sanusi listed the recommendations of the report, which include:
“The Nigerian Government and fossil fuel companies, including Shell, should provide information and conduct studies into the impact of decades of oil pollution on the human rights of affected communities, especially on health, water quality, fisheries and agriculture.
” All oil companies operating in the Niger Delta should contribute to a superfund to resource the full clean-up of the Niger Delta.
” The clean-up of Ogoniland should urgently meet international standards.
“There should be investigation into sabotage and bribery.”
He said Amnesty International will continue to counter the claims that communities are responsible for their own suffering, and will continue to tell the truth.
He added that the organisation is writing to the President to ensure that the recommendations are received and acted upon.
In his goodwill message, the Team Lead of Miideekor Environment Development Initiative (MEDI), Celestine Akpobari,commended Amnesty International Nigeria.
He said many cases in Ogoniland would not have been won if not for Amnesty International and the reports they brought.
