The Senate Committee on Public Petitions, Ethics and Privileges has promised to investigate the alleged military invasion and killings which occurred in Ogoni communities of Yeghe, Zaakpo, Baade and Bori in Rivers State.
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The pledge was given by the Chairman of the Committee, Senator Samuel Anyanwu when the committe met with the petitioners, which includes Civil Liberties Organization in the Southsouth led by Chinedu Karl Uchegbu, the traditional rulers/Chiefs of the affected Ogoni communities and the National Association of Democratic Lawyers led by Barr. Naabulobari Nazigha-Lue.
In its presentation, the CLO besought the Senate to quickly embark on a fact finding visit to the affected Ogoni communities.
It also urged the Senate to investigate allegations of complicit roles by the Nigerian Army, particularly the Chief of Army staff, Brigade Commander of 2 Amphibious brigade Bori camp along with the political players in Ogoni land which were fingered in the petition. They include Senator Magnus Ngei Abe and Hon. Barry Mpigi.
While demanding an immediate withdrawal of the Nigerian army from Ogoni land, the CLO went on to ask for compensation and relief intervention for the affected and bereaved families.
On their part, the Ogoni chiefs who spoke through the paramount ruler of Yeghe, Chief Barinada Gbaranen demanded the that the senate should quickly come to their rescue.
Speaking further, the chiefs said the military invasion of Ogoni land was totally political,accusing the APC of trying to woo Ogoni people into joining the APC which they said was the motive for the military invasion towards the Saturday, March 19, 2016 rerun election.
Senator Anyanwu while assuring that justice will be done on the issue announced that his committee it will invite the accused in the incident which includes The Chief of Army Staff, The Brigade commander, Bori Camp, Senator Magnus Abe and Barry Mpigi among others.
The CLO would be meeting with the House of Representative committee on Army on Thursday, March 19, 2016 at 2pm on the issue.
Meanwhile, the suit filed by the CLO against the Federal government of Nigeria and President Muhammadu Buhari over deployment of Troops in the Niger Delta and Rivers state, will be coming up today Thursday March 10, 2016 at the Federal high court in port Harcourt.
