Ogoni Women Threaten Nude Protest Over Planned Oil Resumption
…Decry Exclusion from Consultation Process
Women from the Ogoni ethnic nationality in Rivers State have warned they will stage a nude protest if the Federal Government proceeds with plans to restart oil extraction in their region without addressing longstanding concerns.
Operating under the Ogoni Women Coalition for Sustainable Environment, the group—comprising 15 women’s organizations, including Mba Okase Initiative, Eedee Ladies of Tai, De Voice of Eleme Women Association, and League of Queens International—issued a joint statement rejecting the proposed resumption of oil activities.
Dr. Patience Osaroejiji, leader of Mba Okase Initiative, stated in Port Harcourt that Ogoni women would take to the streets unclothed if their concerns were ignored.
"If the government disregards our demands and proceeds with oil exploration, we will stage a mass nude protest until our voices are heard," she declared.
The women lamented their exclusion from ongoing consultations on oil resumption, emphasizing that their perspectives have been overlooked in critical discussions concerning their land and livelihoods.
Lezina Pat Ntetep, Coordinator of Eedee Ladies of Tai, noted that Ogoni women have suffered years of environmental degradation due to oil extraction and are unwilling to relive the devastation.
"The core issues raised in the Ogoni Bill of Rights, which led to the suspension of oil activities, remain unresolved," she said.
She also criticized the government for prioritizing oil resumption while failing to complete the UNEP-recommended environmental cleanup.
The women demanded that the Federal Government:
Halt plans for oil resumption in Ogoniland.
Prioritize environmental restoration and complete the UNEP cleanup.
Decommission outdated oil infrastructure to prevent further ecological damage.
Restore livelihoods and compensate affected communities.
Ensure justice for victims of past repression and violence.
"Rather than rushing to extract oil, the government should focus on environmental restoration, economic empowerment, and justice for Ogoni people," Ntetep added.
The women reaffirmed their commitment to resisting any oil resumption in their communities until their demands are fully addressed.
Comments
Post a Comment