Chris Ochayi
5 January 2009
The National Union of Ogoni Students' (USA) has demanded for the creation of Ogoni State out of the present Rivers State, arguing that creation of the new state would generate employment for over 95% unemployed youths as well as addressing lack of infrastructural development in the area.
President of the student body, Korneb Ari Nwike who stated this yesterday in a statement issued via online said that the crisis that is enveloping the people and the Niger Delta is surmountable.
He said a State for Ogoni would serve as a key to the lack of infrastructural development of the Ogoni and other Niger Delta nationalities.
According to him, the state would create employment for the over 95% of unemployed in the area. It would enable them create and have access to health and educational institutions that are lacking in the area.
"The Ogoni people through the Ogoni State Movement (OSM), headed by Senator (Dr.) Cyrus Gbene Nuyieh submitted a Memorandum for the demand of Ogoni State on December 24, 2008 to the Joint Committee on Constitutional Review in Nigeria. Mr. President, we call on you to use the powers of your office to recommend an Ogoni State."
"Fellow Ogonis, we did observe your disappointment in Ogoni politicians recently. The Ogoni politicians in Senate, National Assembly, Rivers State House of Assembly, Chairmen of Councils and their Councilors' refused to sign the Memorandum for the Creation of Ogoni State".
"We encourage you to volunteer your signature today January 04, 2009 and also organize signature collection in your villages from Eleme through to Oyigbo. Ogoni people would be embarking on a referendum. Signature collection centers have been set-up at: State School 1, Bori and Community Primary School Baen".
"We shall not hesitate to institute a legal massive recall of Ogoni politicians from the Senate (to other institutions) mentioned above if they remain uncompromising with the demand of their (Ogoni) constituency".
"Also, we saw the tears in your eyes when one of your own - Mr. Ledum Mitee through the Niger Delta Technical Committee recommended the construction of East- West road, as a solution to your fifty (plus) years of neglect by successive governments in Nigeria".
"We have consistently called on him to resign (as MOSOP President), because he does not represent the collective interest of the Ogoni people. Great Ogoni people, the affluent may not be on your side, but be hopeful because we shall continue to fight for the restoration and respect of ours and our people's right as enshrined in international laws".
"Fellow Ogonis and friends, let us stand together to challenge racism and double standard all across the globe. Let us stick together to ask why Alaska (a state in the US) own her oil and natural resources, establishes $28 billion in Alaska Permanent Fund, distributing dividend each year- In 2008 every Alaskan received $2,069; while Ogoni continue to be ignored and outplayed even when our cause is non-violent and legitimate".
"A case in point, we recall here today that even when Ogoni State was recommended by the State Creation and Boundary Adjustment Committee during the 1994/95 State Creation exercise, Ogoni State was struck down by forces of conspiracy in spite of its merits and viability".
"The world must stand in defend of vulnerable and defend less Ogoni people if Ogoni must survive. As we commemorate with Ogoni and other ethnic minorities fighting oppression in various places in the world; we appeal to the Nigerian authorities to honor the demand of over 99.9% of her citizens whose opinion is the creation of a State for Ogoni people".
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