Ogoni: declaration of Self-Government is treason - Amaechi, Ogoni leaders

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Published on Saturday, 04 August 2012 18:44

Written by Elombah.com

The Rivers State governor, Rotimi Amaechi has described the declaration of Ogoni Autonomy Day by Mr. Goodluck Diigbo on Thursday as a treasonable felony, adding that "Ogoni autonomy is not achievable". Governor Amaechi said the initiator of the

Autonomy Day (Diigbo) “would run into the bush” if attempts were made to ask him questions.

However, the Pro National Conference Organization (PRONACO) on Friday hailed the declaration of self determination by the Ogoni people of southern Nigeria, and pledged their support. 

A Yoruba nationalist group, the Apapo Oodua Koya, (AOKOYA) has also expressed full support for the declaration of autonomy by the Ogoni people. In a statement issued after the group’s Central Working Committee, (CWC) meeting held all-night at Ibadan on Friday, the group said every nationality in Nigeria has a lot to learn from the Ogoni declaration and that all nationalities seeking self-determination should begin to assert themselves.

“On Ogoni autonomy, I wish them well. Ogoni autonomy is not achievable", Governor Amaechi said. "The man (Diigbo) who declared Ogoni autonomy will run into the bush tomorrow morning.  What Diigbo is doing is treasonable felony. You do not declare autonomy on the pages of newspapers and magazines or on radio and television.”

The Chairman of MOSOP Provisional Council, Prof. Ben Naanen, and other authentic Ogoni leaders immediately disowned the declaration of the Autonomy Day by Diigbo, insisting that Ogoni people were not for sovereignty.

The Ogoni leaders noted that they wanted the creation of Bori State out of the present Rivers State as well  as the effective implementation of the recommendations contained in the United Nations Environment Programme report on Ogoniland, submitted to President Goodluck Jonathan in August last year.

They urged the government to take lawful measures to check Diigbo’s anti-state activities and protect lives and property in Ogoniland.

In a short statement seen by Elombah.com PRONACO said: "Great decision and action coming from Ogoniland. Kudos! to the great people of Ogoniland. We fully back them and will give them all support needed to succeed up to the United Nations. We are glad indigenous peoples in Nigeria are beginning to heed our call on issued Sunday 29th July 2012 to go for United Nations recommended political autonomy and rather than wait endlessly for a National Conference that may not come or can be ultimately bastardised."

 On Thursday, 2nd of August, Ogoniland declared political autonomy from Nigeria. In a live broadcast on a newly established radio station: Voice of Ogoni, MOSOP.

President/Spokesman, Dr. Goodluck Diigbo vowed that:“By this declaration of political autonomy, we, the Ogoni people are determined to enforce the United Nations Declaration on Rights of Indigenous Peoples, without fear or retreat”.  

MOSOP leader Diigbo had said by the adoption and approval of a date for political autonomy by the Ogoni people themselves; the Ogoni have reshaped a new future for their nation, children and grandchildren and succeeding generations unborn.

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