BY OGORAMAKA AMOS
Rivers State Governor, Sir SiminalayiFubara, has described the sacrifices and courage of the Ogoni people as a “defining chapter” in Nigeria’s sociopolitical and democratic history.
The Rivers State Governor made the remarks in a statement issued in commemoration of Ogoni Day, which is celebrated annually.
Fubara hailed the day as a “powerful symbol of resilience, identity, and the historic struggle of the Ogoni nation.”
Governor Fubara paid special tribute to the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP), acknowledging its pivotal role in bringing global attention to the environmental degradation, human rights issues, and demands for equity in Ogoni-land.
“The struggles and voices of the Ogoni people, championed by MOSOP, have left an indelible mark on the national and international consciousness regarding environmental justice and the rights of minority communities,” Fubara stated.
However, striking a note of caution, Governor Fubara urged Ogoni leaders and stakeholders to “shun disunity and internal divisions” both within MOSOP and the broader Ogoni community.
He emphasised that “unity of purpose remains critical to advancing the collective interest of the people,” suggesting that a fractured front could undermine the continued pursuit of development, environmental remediation, and political goals.
The annual Ogoni Day marks the 1993 mass protest against the environmental devastation caused by oil exploration and the demand for self-determination. It remains a day of reflection and renewed advocacy for the people.