Senator Magnus Ngei Abe, the immediate past representative of the Rivers South-East Senatorial District at the National Assembly has reiterated the need for lasting peace in Ogoniland, calling on different factions to bury their differences.
This was contained in a statement by Senator Abe during the 2020 Ogoni Day celebration marking the 28th edition. The statement which came through his spoke person, Parry Saroh Benson, stated that Ogoni today was in many ways better than its previous conditions characterized by neglect and marginalization which gave birth to the Ogoni agitation, but assured that change is on the way.
According to him, the principles behind the Ogoni struggle remained the quest for justice, demand for political inclusion, commitment to the environment and, most importantly, “Our determination not just to fight for our rights but to do so non-violently”.
Sen. Abe saluted the founding fathers of Ogoni struggle which include the late Kenule Saro Wiwa and all the Ogoi men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice in the quest for justice.
He thanked the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration for the commencement of the Ogoni cleanup. He acknowledged that this would remain a landmark in addressing issues bothering on environmental degradation.
He expressed the hope that: “Together we can overcome all our challenges and build bridges of cooperation and friendship across Rivers State and Nigeria that will lead our people into an era of fulfillment, peace and progress.
The Senator who once acted as the Chairman, Senate Committee on FERMA commended the Rivers State Government and security agencies for their efforts towards bringing about peace in Ogoni land.
Abe appealed to Ogoni people to ensure peace at all times, even as he expressed the confidence of a better tomorrow for the people.
