Victory, but justice deferred?
Pambazuka readers respond to Sokari Ekine and Firoze Manji’s commentary on settlement. Although some see the settlement as a step in the right direction, other ask questions about the part played by the federal government of Nigeria in the executions. There is recognition all round though, that the struggle for justice for the people of the Niger Delta continues.
HUGE STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION
This story warms my heart and those who fought for the admission (or else why would Shell have paid up?) by a powerful multinational deserve my greatest respect and sympathy. What an achievement! It may not be justice yet, but it certainly is a huge step in the right direction. As Desmond Tutu said recently when receiving an Honoris Causa from the university of Geneva ''Don't get discourage when you think that all your efforts lead nowhere. There are plenty of others who do the same thing. That is why, in the end you shall win''.
(Elisabeth Nyffenegger)
WHAT ABOUT THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT?
My concern is: the Federal Government of Nigeria who never admitted colluding with Shell to execute the Ogono 9. The Abacha government in 1995 stated that it has found Saro-Wiwa et-al guilty before its tribunal and justly executed them; therefore, the Federal Government cannot shirk off responsibility over these murders. Now that Shell has opted for an out of court settlement, what is the Federal Government doing in recompense? I am aware of government activities and policies in this volatile Niger- Delta. I think the Federal Government needs to pay at least twice the amount paid by Shell, and of course offer an unreserved apology to the Ogonni people. Even if it was on behalf of Shell, it was the government that committed these acts.
(Nengak Daniel Gondyi)
THE STRUGGLE CONTINUES…
Thank you very much Sokari and Firoze for this sensible and accessible reflection on the complexities of the recent out of court settlement and for reminding us that more important than the condemnation of the plaintiffs for settling this case is the ongoing struggle for justice for the people of the Niger Delta and the need to focus our attention on the escalation of the Nigerian government's collective punishment of our people who have already suffered so much.
(Abiola Ogunsola)
First, hats off to the authors for a very sensitively written article. I only feel a sense of dejection after reading the article, and a sinking realisation that any victories to be had will be despite our legal systems and not because of it. The deck is stacked against communities and the environment. You're right in reminding people that $15.5 million buys no immunity for crimes committed and yet to be committed. I'm associated with the campaign for justice in Bhopal against Union Carbide and Dow Chemical, and can totally relate to the sentiments expressed in your article. In Ken's famous words: "Let the lord take my soul, but the struggle continues..."
(Nityanand Jayaraman)