A group under the Ogoni Voice Achievers Foundation has voiced strong opposition to the federal government’s plan to restart oil exploration in Ogoniland. The foundation demands that no operations begin until a full environmental cleanup is completed and historical justice is served, including the exoneration of the late Ken Saro‑Wiwa and other Ogoni activists.
Gospel Barifii Gokana, founder and chairman of the board of trustees, described the government’s approach as “deeply flawed, unjust, and unacceptable.” He warned that resuming oil exploration without addressing decades of neglect and pollution could spark social unrest and renewed conflict. Gokana noted that the government has justified the restart on the grounds of economic recovery and energy needs, but argued that this stance reflects a lack of genuine consultation with the Ogoni people. He pointed out that only a select few have been invited to closed‑door negotiations, falling short of the free, prior, and informed consent required by international human rights norms.
The foundation also criticized the government’s lack of transparency, accusing officials of making decisions in Abuja offices without considering the historical suffering of Ogoni communities. This rejection underscores the long‑standing environmental and social concerns in Ogoniland, where decades of oil pollution have devastated the environment and local livelihoods.
The Ogoni Voice Achievers Foundation’s demands for a comprehensive cleanup and historical justice are seen as essential steps toward addressing these issues and respecting the rights of the Ogoni people. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the government will respond and whether a resolution can be reached that balances economic needs with environmental and social concerns.
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