The Niger Delta Civil Society Coalition (NDCSC) says the time has come to put an end to the wanton intimidation and brutalization of the people in Ogoniland.
In a statement issued in Port Harcourt and signed by its Chairman, Anyakwe Nsirimovu, the group said the people have been driven by fear, saying the ugly situation must be halted with immediate effect.
Nsirimovu said it is more worrisome considering what has become a deafening silence in the face of unparallel impunity and gross violations of fundamental rights in Ogoniland.
“Ogoniland today and other parts of Rivers State are insecure because the state government is under conditions of severe political, economic and physical insecurity.
“It has become most obvious to all critical watchers that the people of the state cannot enjoy security without development just as it cannot enjoy development without security. It also cannot enjoy either without respect for the fundamental freedoms of its citizens and residents”, he stated.
The group stated that the State required strong institutions-responsible, responsive, capable and effective human capacity, agile enough to pilot and coordinate the delivery of their collective political goods for its citizens and residents.
The group’s coordinator regretted that Ogoni Communities were in turmoil where young people now engage in what he referred to as cult-slaughtering ‘activism’ which he said, was unknown in Ogoniland until recently.
His words: “All they are seeking is to destroy their villages and communities without remorse, for no known other reasons other than illicit politics. The little available infrastructure are not spared. The State is threatening and investing with might but because of the long standing belief that the State is part of the problem”.
Nsirimovu regretted that the society is faced with growing levels of mistrust, impunity and political polarization, adding that the state government has no chance of containing on its own.
“We suggest a practical way out of the present darkness, horror: reconciliation based on truth and justice, so that the wonderful riches and wealth of Ogoniland and Nigeria will be equitably shared and enjoyed peacefully”.
