The Council of Ogoni Professionals (COP International, USA) has joined the entire Ogoni people and all environmental and human rights movements across the globe to celebrate the one year anniversary of the release of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Report on Ogoni.
“As we commemorate this important milestone in the history of the Ogoni struggle, COP International, USA seizes this special opportunity to commend the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) for living up to its reputation by releasing a balanced, unbiased and accurate report on the extent of the devastation of the Ogoni environment. This historic report has authenticated MOSOP’s position that Shell and the Nigerian Government are responsible for the devastation of the Ogoni environment and no amount of propaganda will absolve the duo of their responsibility to clean-up Ogoniland”COP International ,USA said in a press release signed by Anslem D. John-Miller,chairman, caretaker committee
In the same vein, the body of Ogoni professionals in the United States also commended former President OlusegunObasanjo whose administration started this bold initiative. “We are also grateful to Amnesty International, Friends of the Earth, Human Rights Watch and other local and international human and environmental rights organizations and many others for their unflinching support for the struggle for justice” ,the group said.
Finally, the Council of Ogoni Professionals appealed to the Jonathan Administration to expedite action on the UNEP Report because its continued delay is adversely affecting the Ogoni people and our environment. “It is also important to stress that it is only a complete and satisfactory implementation of the UNEP Report by the government and Shell that may guarantee any discussions about the possibility of a resumption of oil operations in Ogoniland”,the US-based Ogoni professionals said.
