The journey of our petition has been marked by resilience, sacrifice, and an unwavering commitment to justice. Despite the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) indicating its willingness to explore alternative dispute resolution (ADR) during the hearing before the House Committee on Public Petitions, National Assembly, Abuja, on 30th July 2024, the matter experienced an unexpected delay, leaving many stakeholders wondering why the process stalled.
Before our petition was called for hearing by the former chairman of the House Committee on Public Petitions, I received disturbing information from my then deputy chairman in Warri. According to him, he had been approached by an individual described as a former member of the Cross River State House of Assembly, who allegedly urged him to persuade me to withdraw or compromise the petition in exchange for the sum of ₦500 million.
My deputy further informed me that I was allegedly promised ₦150 million as my personal share if I agreed to abandon the case. Even more troubling, he conveyed that if I refused the offer, those behind the proposal allegedly warned that I could suffer a fate similar to that of the late environmental activist, Ken Saro-Wiwa.
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At that period, i was struggling to survive and provide for my young child. Yet, neither financial inducement nor the alleged threats could persuade me to betray the trust reposed in me by the affected coastal communities. My conscience, my integrity, and my commitment to justice were never for sale.
Following these events, the petition did not progress as expected. The outcome of the initial adr process was reportedly not presented before the green chamber for adoption, thereby delaying the resolution of a matter that holds significant importance for the development and welfare of the niger delta coastal communities. While others may draw their own conclusions, we remain committed to pursuing justice through lawful and constitutional means.
Today, we wish to place on record our profound appreciation for the present chairman of the House Committee on Public Petitions. His leadership has demonstrated a commitment to impartiality, transparency, and due process. Rather than allowing external influences to dictate the course of proceedings, he has continued to uphold the fundamental principles upon which the committee is founded: fairness, equity, and justice. Our confidence in Nigeria’s democratic institutions remains unshaken. We firmly believe that truth, accountability, and justice will ultimately prevail.
We shall continue to pursue our cause peacefully, lawfully, and without compromise until justice is served for the communities we represent.
