Ogoni People Threaten Mass Protest Over Abandonment Of N80billion Clean-up, Restoration Projects In Communities
The National Youth Council of Ogoni People (NYCOP) has urged the Minister of Environment, Mallam Balarabe Abbas Lawal, to conduct a thorough investigation into the allocation of N80 billion intended for the cleanup, remediation, and restoration of Ogoni communities. NYCOP accused over 25 contractors of absconding with the funds after being awarded contracts and receiving 30% mobilization fees, leaving the projects unfinished despite time constraints.
NYCOP, represented by its President and Secretary-General, Barinuazor Emmanuel S.A. and Fred Mene Elijah, respectively, expressed concern over the contractors’ lack of progress in executing the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP). They highlighted that only a small percentage of the contractors had commenced work, with the majority showing reluctance or failing to mobilize to the project sites.
The group emphasized the urgency of completing the projects, citing the United Nations Environment Programme’s estimation that it would take 25 to 30 years to fully restore the Ogoni communities affected by crude oil spills. They stressed the need for swift action to prevent further delays that could impede the restoration process not only in Ogoni but also in other parts of the Niger Delta.
NYCOP demanded the revocation of the contractors’ sureties, performance bonds, and advance payment guarantees within seven days, along with their de-listing and disqualification from future contracts. They warned that if the contractors failed to act within the stipulated timeframe, they would be considered persona non grata in Ogoni, and NYCOP would urge the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to intervene and recover the misappropriated funds.
Furthermore, NYCOP called upon Minister Mallam Balarabe Abbas Lawal and HYPREP Project Coordinator Prof. Nenibarini Zabbey to support their efforts to recover the misused funds and ensure accountability. They emphasized that NYCOP would not relent until justice was served and the interests of the Ogoni youth were safeguarded.
The group condemned the continuous exploitation of Ogoni resources by non-Ogonis while the community languished in poverty. They asserted that the UNEP-Ogoni issue was a matter of life and death, with previous generations sacrificing their lives for the cause, and vowed to pursue justice until the rightful restoration of Ogoni lands was achieved.
Sahara Reporters
