Omon-Julius Onabu
12 September 2002
Benin — The presentation to the National Assembly of a bill for the abolition of the controversial onshore-offshore dichotomy in petroleum resource exploitation in Nigeria has been described as a welcome development that should be supported to become law through the legislative process.
The Environmental Rights Action (ERA), also known as "Friends of the Earth Nigeria", made the commendation in a statement by its programmes director, Mr. Godwin Uyi Ojo.
ERA criticised the Federal Government for introducing the onshore/offshore distinction, saying the game of "hide-and-seek" have only succeeded in limiting "the capacity of the affected state governments and placed them in a very awkward situation politically and economically.
"Indeed, widespread public uproar over the Supreme Court judgement on the onshore/offshore dichotomy shows that victory resides on the part of the people standing up for justice.
"We must never relent on the struggle for environmental justice and equitable distribution of wealth until the poor have a say in how their resources are used and for their good," it stated.
The group, however, called on the National Assembly "to expedite action on the proposed bill so as to ensure its quick passage into law and urgent resolution of the financial crisis being experienced by the affected states" in the Niger-Delta.
ERA Chief executive officer, Bassey, said: "the proposed abolition of the obnoxious onshore/offshore dichotomy is a welcome development, the will of the people as demonstrated in their firm agitation for resource control must be respected to stem resource conflicts and allow justice to prevail."
The Benin-based group urged for greater awareness of the consequences of unrestrained and mindless exploitation of the petroleum and other resources particularly in the Niger-Delta and advised the people to persist in their demand for adequate means of cushioning such negative consequences.
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