…Threatens Legal Battle to Recover 300 Million Dollars Ogoni Compensation
The President of the Ogoni Liberation Initiative, Dr. Douglas Fabeke, has issued a final warning to the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company Limited (NPDCL), to halt all oil-related operations in Ogoni land or face legal consequences.
Speaking during his birthday celebration in Port Harcourt, which he solemnly dedicated to the Ogoni struggle and the memory of the nine slain Ogoni martyrs, Dr. Fabeke expressed deep concern over what he described as continued marginalization, environmental degradation, and illegal operations by NPDC in Ogoni communities.
“Let me be clear: NPDCL has no moral or legal right to operate in Ogoni communities that are still suffering from the trauma of displacement and bloodshed under the Abacha regime. We shall resist them legally,” he declared.
Dr. Fabeke accused NPDC of covertly entering Ogoni territories including Ledor, Oloko, and Mumbe without the knowledge or consent of the people, in violation of international charters and the United Nations Environmental Program (UNEP) Report, which stipulate that no oil exploration should resume until full environmental and social restoration is achieved.
“Cease all operations immediately. If you continue to operate in these traumatized communities, we will challenge you in court. We are not unorganized, uninformed, or afraid. The Ogoni people are not begging we are demanding, organizing, and rising,” he warned.
The Ogoni Liberation Initiative also threatened to initiate a landmark legal battle to recover the $300 million compensation reportedly paid by Shell Petroleum Development Company through an out-of-court settlement. According to Dr. Fabeke, the funds were allegedly diverted to the Rivers State Government without the knowledge or representation of the Ogoni people.
“We demand full disclosure and justice. Who authorized the payment to the state government instead of the rightful Ogoni victims? What was the money used for? We will pursue this matter legally, politically, and publicly.”
Dr. Fabeke also criticized the government for its lack of sincerity and alleged corruption in the Ogoni Clean-Up project, noting that affected communities still live in dire conditions, lacking access to basic infrastructure, clean water, education, and healthcare.
“Peace is not a slogan. Peace is justice. Peace is fairness. Without justice and fairness, there can be no true development in Ogoni land,” he emphasized.
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The Ogoni Liberation Initiative has previously engaged the former Group Managing Director of NNPCL in dialogue regarding the OML 11 license and initiated community consultations aimed at paving the way for peaceful resolution. The group even facilitated legal withdrawals and submitted formal documents to support federal acquisition of OML 11.
Despite commitments made in a public meeting held in Bori with NPDC, NNPCL, and community leaders, Dr. Fabeke lamented that several follow-up letters were ignored. He stated that NNPCL’s continued silence and lack of accountability necessitate legal intervention.
Alhaji Usman Abdullahi, Chairman of Guinea Green Investment and Lead Consultant to the Ogoni Liberation Initiative, affirmed his support for the cause. Reflecting on his past efforts alongside the late Ken Saro-Wiwa Jr., he condemned the neglect of Ogoni land, describing his first visit to the area as heartbreaking.
“There is no justice when you see a community without access roads, clean water, education, or healthcare. That is why I joined the fight—to restore what rightfully belongs to the Ogoni people,” Abdullahi said.
Also speaking at the event, Hilda Dokubo, Chairperson of the Labour Party in Rivers State, praised Dr. Fabeke’s relentless advocacy and called on Rivers people to emulate his selflessness.
“We must ask ourselves why do people feel they can come to our State and treat us like we do not exist? It is time to reclaim our space and our dignity. Rivers people must rise and take ownership of their land.”
Dokubo also condemned the continued imposition of external figures in Rivers State politics, calling it an affront to the identity and sovereignty of the people.
As tensions heighten, the Ogoni Liberation Initiative vows to continue its fight through legal and peaceful means until justice, environmental restoration, and rightful compensation are achieved for the Ogoni people.
