The people of Ogoni in Rivers State say the Nigerian government should not use the establishment of federal University of Environmental Technology, Ogoni, as a justification for resuming oil exploration in ogoni land.
Those who spoke to AIT acknowledged the potential benefits of the university and expressed their reservations about the real motives behind the move by the Tinubu administration to establish the institution.
The Ogoni people have a long history of fighting for environmental justice, and the execution of Ken Saro-Wiwa and the Ogoni Nine in November 10, 1995, is a painful reminder of their struggles.
The Ogoni people, including the families of the Ogoni Nine, and Tuka Eawo, son of the late Nordu Eawo, who was among those killed say they understand there are benefits in having such an institution in their community but they are afraid that the establishment of the university is being used as a bait to resume oil exploration in the area without adequately addressing the environmental and social issues that have plagued their community for decades.
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They made reference to the Ogoni bill of rights and the exoneration of Ken Saro-Wiwa and nine others.
According to them, the main issues affecting their community have not been addressed and they are therefore questioning the planned resumption of oil exploration in Ogoni land which they insist should be put on hold until their concerns are properly addressed.
President Bola Tinubu had assured the people that the establishment of the university is a step towards sustainable development, environmental justice, and social justice for the Ogoni people.
(Editor: Okechukwu Eze)
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