File photo of Ogoni women protest
Women from Ogoni in Rivers State have threatened to stage a nude protest if the Federal Government proceeds with plans to resume oil extraction without addressing key concerns.
Under the Ogoni Women Coalition for Sustainable Environment, 15 groups, including Mba Okase Initiative and Eedee Ladies of Tai, expressed their opposition. They insisted that oil extraction should not resume until the issues that led to the suspension of operations in the 1990s are resolved.
Dr. Patience Osaroejiji, leader of Mba Okase Initiative, warned that Ogoni women would protest naked in the streets if the government moves forward with the plan. She also criticized the exclusion of Ogoni women from ongoing consultations regarding the issue.
Lezina Pat Ntetep, Coordinator of Eedee Ladies of Tai, emphasized that Ogoni women will not tolerate further environmental harm. She pointed out that the concerns outlined in the Ogoni Bill of Rights remain unaddressed, and families affected by past repression have not received justice.
The women have called on the government to halt any plans for oil extraction, complete the UNEP-mandated cleanup, decommission outdated oil infrastructure, compensate affected communities, and ensure justice for past wrongs.
They vowed to resist the resumption of oil extraction unless their demands are met.
