The Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) says it received the court ruling against Shell Petroleum Development Company, SPDC, with deep feeling of excitement, though, not surprised.
MOSOP in a statement made available to theportcitynews said it believes justice can only be delayed but not denied, following the series of evidence that abound and facts that can never be totally supressed.
“We commend the various efforts by individuals, groups and institutions in support of this course for justice and also salute the unstoppable determination of the great Ogoni women and spouses of our late and unforgettable heroes of our struggle, Esther Kiobel, Victoria Bera, Blessing Eawo and Charity Levula, as well as the unbiased position of the Court in the matter.
“It is our conviction that time is running out on Shell and her collaborators in perpetrating and covering up injustice in Ogoniland.
MOSOP President, Comrade Legborsi Pyagbara in the statement said” Shell will definitely pay for the killings and other rights abuses and crimes it committed in Ogoniland during its reckless operations in the area.
Comrade Pyagbara, said the ruling from the Dutch Court is “a key step towards expanding the frontiers of justice and making perpetrators of crime to realise that they can be held accountable even on their own soil”.
He called on the direct plaintiffs and the entire Ogoni people, as well as supporters of the struggle for justice all over the world to keep hope alive and remain resolute.
The District Court of The Hague Wednesday, May 1, 2019, issued an interim ruling in the case brought by the women with regard to Shell’s involvement in the unlawful arrest, detention and execution of their husbands, the Ogoni heroes, by the Nigerian military.
It ruled in favour of the plaintiffs, that the court does have jurisdiction over the case and that this should not be time barred.
The court also ruled that Shell should hand over some confidential internal documents to the plaintiffs’ lawyers, and that they would have the opportunity to examine witnesses.
“No doubt, this decision of the Court serves as an encouragement and important precedent for other victims around the world, who are seeking to hold powerful multi- Nationals responsible for injustice and who struggle to access justice” he said.
