Ogoni_Naijanet_Advert_Update_01

[Mobolaji E. Aluko]

January 27, 1996

Netters:

(1) The Ogoni Letter will be published in The Sunday Concord
==================
tomorrow, January 29, 1996. The paper agreed to publish it two
days ago, we (Concord official and myself) vetted the transmitted
copy line-by-line for errors, and a new set of corrections were
sent in yesterday (no confirmation of receipt of that one yet).
I hope that the advert is indeed published as corrected and
as promised - please call Nigeria to fore-warn and ascertain,
anyone and everyone.

(2) A copy was faxed to Dr. Idemyor (MOSOP-USA, Chicago) yesterday.
His initial reaction was very positive indeed.
I hand-delivered another copy to Dr. Owens Wiwa today in
Washington DC, about 3 hours ago, in a meet-him organized
by the RoundTable on Nigeria. He may be reacting formally
to the Netters hopefully later on this week; we had a rather
interesting discussion about the ad. I called Mr. Ledum Mittee
in Port Harcourt to forewarn him about the advert (spoke
to someone in his household.)

(2) At last count, there were 166 signatories - see list at end of
letter below. I hope that no one was omitted who indicated
willingness to be included.

(4) The last minute changes in the advert (which hopefully will
get into the advert) are:

(a) the missing line in the last "Final Draft" which some
keen-eyed Netters pointed out has been added; thanks to them.
(b) under good counsel, the name "Hauwa" has been dropped
from the list of wives; we now simply have "Mrs. Saro-Wiwa";
to take care of some understandable "marital sensitivities".
(c) Shell has been mentioned by name somewhere.
(d) The issue of military rule itself being a subversion
of the constitution, not only the use of tribunals,
has been mentioned.

Thanks to everyone and best wishes. Again, we shall be HEARD - but
will we be listened to ?

Bolaji Aluko

===================================================================
DRAFT No. 6 - Final Draft/2
===================================================================

Paid Advertisement

A Letter to the Ogoni Community and The Nigerian Military
Government by Concerned Nigerians Abroad:
A Needless Escalation of Communal Deaths, A Call for
Peace and Reconciliation

January 28, 1996

We the undersigned, concerned Nigerians and friends of Nigeria
currently living abroad in all continents, write to register our
profound outrage and concern at:

(a) the senseless mob lynching of the following "Ogoni Four" on
May 21, 1994:

1. Chief Edward N. Kobani 2. Albert T. Badey
3. Chief Samuel N. Orage 4. Chief Theophilus B. Orage

(b) the hasty extra-judicial state execution of the following "Ogoni
Nine" on November 10, 1995:

1. Ken Saro-Wiwa 2. Dr. Barinem Kiobel 3. John Kpuniem
4. Baribor Bera 5. Saturday Dorbee 6. Felix Nwate
7. Nordu Eawo 8. Daniel Gbakoo 9. Paul Levura

(c) the loss of thousands of Ogoni lives and that of citizens of
surrounding communities during the many years that the crisis has
been going on unattended.

We express our sincere condolences to the Ogoni community in general, and
in particular to the families of the recent dead, for example their wives
(known wives listed here):

1. Mrs. Rosemary Kobani 2. Mrs. Dora B. Badey
3. Mrs. Elizabeth Orage 4. Mrs. Evelyn Orage
5. Mrs. Saro-Wiwa

No amount of alleged accusation of betrayal of cause, alleged incitement to
murder or sheer state vengeance should have led or should now further lead to
any more deaths of Ogoni sons and daughters.

TO THE OGONI PEOPLE:

We appeal to the Ogoni community to come together to resist any further
divisive politics which has sapped the energy of this vitally important,
oil-rich yet economically deprived area of Nigeria. We appeal to the Ogoni
Youths to exercise maximum restraint and eschew violence in their dissent
against the injustices that they see around them.

To aid reconciliation among the Ogoni community, we strongly believe that
the formation of an Ogoni Reconciliation Council will be most appropriate,
and urge all Nigerians to support the effort materially and morally. On our
part, we pledge our best effort to support the Council if and when
it is formed. Such a council should demonstrably include all sides of the
conflict and be independent of outside manipulation. We would hope that
the following individuals:

1. Alhaji M.M. Kobani 2. Ms. Priscilla Vikue 3. Dr. Gary Leton
4. Mr. Desmond Orage (Los Angeles, USA)
5. Mr. Ledum Mittee 6. Mr. Ken Wiwa, Jr 7. Dr. Owens Wiwa
8. Dr. Vincent Idemyor (Chicago, USA)

being keenly interested in the good of the Ogoni, will publicly embrace
this call for reconciliation among the Ogoni people. We expect that the
community Chiefs will also be intimately involved in this effort,
and pray that respected members of the Ogoni community (and even such members
of the larger Nigerian citizenry) act nobly and quickly to promote
the formation of such a council. In the event that you need to contact us on
this matter, please do not hesitate to do so care "Concerned Nigerians
Abroad", P.O. Box 91291, Washington, DC 20090, USA.

TO THE MILITARY GOVERNMENT OF NIGERIA:

We express our serious misgivings at the impending state trial, before the
same judges that sentenced the Ogoni Nine, of the following "Ogoni Nineteen":

1. Bariture Bano Lebee 2. John Banatu 3. Babina Vizor
4. Pogbara Zorzor 5. Friday Gburuma 6. Yedal Naasikpo
7. Paul Deekor 8. Elijah Lekie Badom (alias Monday Kabari)
9. Blessing Isreal 10. Taagalo K. Monsi 11. Kagbara Basseh
12. Adam Kaa 13. Sampson Ntignee 14. Godwin Gbodoo
15. Samuel Asigha 16. Nwinbari Papa 17. Benjamin Kabari
18. Baribuma Kumanwe 19. Ngbaa Baovi

In our earlier letter published in Nigeria in July 1995, we had previously
joined the world to appeal for clemency for the alleged coup plotters, an
appeal that was then heeded. We now re-state our view expressed in that
letter that the flow of blood of Nigerians, and now particularly in Ogoniland,
must stop. It should stop NOW, so that the genuine task of rebuilding our
nation can be allowed to begin without further delay. To this end, we ask
the government to:

(a) release the bodies of the Ogoni Nine to their families for the
proper burials that all human beings deserve;
(b) henceforth avoid the denial of due process by the use of tribunals such
as the one that tried and sentenced the Ogoni Nine; they are simply
avenues for the subversion of the constitution that is already
implicit in military rule;
(c) order the release forthwith of the remaining Ogoni Nineteen currently
in detention for them to be tried in normal Nigerian courts;
(d) order the immediate withdrawal of soldiers from Ogoni land and institute
an independent investigation into the conduct of soldiers deployed to
that land; any allegations of committed atrocities (for example
as applicable against Col. Paul Okuntimo) should then be tried
in military courts if warranted;
(e) do nothing to undermine the Ogoni community leaders in their efforts
at the restoration of normalcy and reconciliation among these peace-loving
peoples;
(f) begin the process of seeking a just solution to the environmental
destruction of Ogoni- and other oil-producing lands by oil companies
such as Shell, this being the main bone of contention of all of
the Ogoni crisis; and finally,
(g) begin the overall process of national reconciliation by releasing ALL
political detainees in the country, and desist from making further
arrests of peaceful activists.

We wish all Nigerians a Happier New Year as we seek a more just and peaceful
country and continent of Africa in 1996 and beyond, into the next millenium.

Signed:

Usman G. Akano, Ontario, Canada
O. Kasirim Nwuke, MA, USA
Adeboye Ogunseitan, Hawaii, USA
James B. Ogundele, USA
Sylvester Osagie, PA, USA
John Olumoya, MD, USA
K.C. Ejiogu, USA
Abi Olowe, MI, USA
Nike Olowe, MI, USA
O.C. Wambu, MN, USA
Adeniyi Akanni, Saskatchewan, Canada
Mobolaji E. Aluko, MD USA
Alex. Dan'Iyan, USA
Bola Olaniran, USA
Gbenga Abimbola, USA
Joshua O. Ajewole, USA
Uche Okongwu, Toulouse, France
'Tunde Ogunyemi, USA
Samuel M. Udom, WA, USA
Oyekale Oyedeji, GA, USA
Remi Olatunbosun, UK
Biodun Ogidan, Muscat, OMAN
Fatai Oyejobi, USA
Francis Ogbonnaya, Victoria, Australia
Bestman Efejuku, NY, USA
Pauline C. Mbawuike, RI, USA
Michael O. Sekoni, CA, USA
Abdul Salau, PA, USA
Omolola Ogunyemi, PA, USA
Mudashiru Ashiru, PA, USA
Simbo Odunaiya, OH, USA
Joseph F. Aiyeku, MA, USA
Ogbonnaya, J. Nwoha, IL, USA
Kerstin Moesinger, Germany
Humphrey Okeke, USA
Mohammed R. Alowonle, MN, USA
Tokunbo Labisi, CA, USA
Anthony C. Osude, USA
Abdul K. Mohammed, USA
G. Gbadamosi, USA
Alhaja K. Gbadamosi, USA
Orimibuyaku E. Ajewole, NJ, USA
Chiji Akoma, NY, USA
Adesola Amolegbe, USA
Michael Kolawole, Victoria, Australia
Alwell U. Nwankwoala, Australia
Michael E. Ntuk, MD, USA
Wemimo Azeez, Quebec, Canada
Abiodun Adewale, USA
Okey C. Iheduru, MI, USA
Charles O. Adibe, USA
Emmanuel C. Okoli, Calgary, Canada
Josiah A. Akinsanmi, OR, USA
Ibe Ibeike-Jonah, NY, USA
Abolade E. Olagoke, CO, USA
Olusola Adeyeye, PA, USA
Momoh Yakubu, TN, USA
Ikhide R. Ikheloa, MD, USA
Samuel O. Adeyeye, AL USA
Jimmie James, ON, Canada
Fidelis Atuegbu, USA
Aboje Ameh, Calgary, Canada
Alwell J. Oyet, Edmonton, Canada
Elizabeth O. Otenaike, MD, USA
Isaiah O. Oladeji, FL, USA
Ademola Adepoju, MD, USA
Grace Adepoju, MD, USA
Lawrence O. Owoputi, Canada
Adedoyin D. Alugbin, MA, USA
Ade Atobatele, London, UK
Deji Odetoyinbo, Ontario, Canada
Kayode S. Lagunju, London, UK
Abel F. Adekola, FL, USA
Ngozi A. Nwaneri, USA
Julian N. Ikediala, NS, Canada
Adeolu A. Kolawole, UK
Adesola A. Gbadamosi, FL, USA
Osita G. Afoaku, CO, USA
Oladipo Kolade, Australia
Olaf Bunmi Fallye, CA, USA
Akintade Dare, Tokyo, JAPAN
Seyi Kuforiji, USA
Hakeem P. Fahm, USA
Mku Ityokumbul, PA, USA
Leke Adeofe, FL, USA
Emmanson O. Alle, FL, USA
Michael O. Afolayan, WI, USA
Asiru Olorunwa Olusola, Antwerpen, Belgium
Enonche Ameh, Calgary, Canada
Willie Nicholson, CO, USA
Ikechukwu Alex Offor, Finland
Otabo, Ik., Singapore
Abeeb Adebayo, USA
Paul A. Awoseyi, USA
Daniel Kutchins, Germany
Ayowale B. Ogunye, USA
Joe Chika Anyanwu, Australia
Hakeem K. Johnson, Denmark
Akin Kumoluyi, England
Inakwu Ominyi Odeh, Australia
Francis O. T. Akenami, Finland
Dele Raheem, Finland
Larry Musa, Washington, DC, USA
Moses A. Uzuh, USA
Monday Gang Gala, Ontario, Canada
Akin Ogungbadero, MA, USA
Dare Afolabi, USA
Femi Adeshina, New Jersey, USA
Tayo Olorunyolemi, Calgary, Canada
NseAbasi Ekpo, Illinois, USA
Ari Ogoke, NY, USA
Obi. C. Egwim, MN, USA
Monima Briggs, USA
Konju A. Briggs, NJ, USA
G. Lanre Babalola, NJ, USA
Mary Ellen Chijioke, PA,USA
Yemi Oniya, Sr, UK
Akinwumi Ogundiran, MA, USA
Banji Ayiloge, NY, USA
Patience Akpan, Ontario, Canada
Segun Olayinka, USA
Qansy Salako, CA, USA
Opinya Ikabo, IL, USA
Philip Ogunbona, Australia
Basil Eneh, Finland
Peter Tyrone Agabi, OR, USA
Adetokunbo Adejuyigbe, London, UK
Jonah Eleweke, Manchester, UK
Sepribo Lawson-Jack, USA
Patrick Nwosu, PA, USA
Ehikioya Sylvanus, Winnipeg, Canada
Kubby Rashid, Washington, DC, USA
'Mola Olaniyan, USA
Abiodun A. Ojo, Vancouver, Canada
Michael H Arigbede, CA, USA
Bambo Ibidapo-Obe, Saskatchewan, Canada
George Ekeledo, IL, USA
Bernard O. Ayanruoh, USA
Adeyinka Edward Adelowo, Germany
Felix Akojie, KY, USA
Enefiok David Ekpe, Canada
Basie Etukudo, USA
Christian E. Ukachukwu, USA
'Wale Adewumi, USA
Taiye B. Sangoyomi, USA
Tomi Olalekan Lawson, Finland
Avenbuan Sonnie Osaro, Toronto, Canada
Abdul-Rasheed Na'Allah, Canada
'Sanmi Adesida, USA
Uzoma Onyemaechi, USA
Ladi Kukoyi, USA
Monibo A. Sam, CT, USA
Helen Imalele, Toronto, Canada
Harris Omokaro Igharo, Toronto, Canada
Juliet Eguabor, Toronto, Canada
Adeolu Adeoye, USA
Adekunle Ajisebutu, Canada
O. Iornenge Wuheh Jagusa, USA
Akin Abayomi, Zimbabwe
Anthony Afolaya, Soth Africa
Oyejola Isiba, USA
Idris Dodo, USA
Ibiyekaribo B. Sokari MA, USA
Olusegun Ogidan, USA

[Sepribo G Lawson-Jack]

Dear Bolaji,

I believe "congratulations to you" is in order for pulling off the
Ogoni_Naijanet_Advert campaign with 166 signatories and having
it published in Nigeria within a record time. It demonstrates
your energy and commitment to issues such as this.

I hope following the precedence set by the Clem. Campaign organizers
you will, at a time most convenient to you, brief Naijanetters as to the
cost, etc. for the Ad.

I hope, also, that your briefing will include explanation for how the
decision to publish the Ad in The Sunday Concord only was made as against
what I believed was agreed to in the attached piece of your mail.

Have a good w/e.

S Lawson-Jack

================== Begin Attachment =====================================

From: "Mobolaji E. Aluko" <mal...@SCS.HOWARD.EDU>
Subject: Ogoni_Naijanet_Advert_Final_Draft
X-To: naij...@mitvma.mit.edu, a...@quincy.med.harvard.edu,
nff-...@andrew.cmu.edu, nff-...@andrew.cmu.edu,
stak...@sfu.ca, P...@soas.ac.uk
Original-To: Multiple recipients of list NAIJANET
<NAIJ...@MITVMA.MIT.EDU>
In-Reply-To: <Pine.HPP.3.90.96012...@scs.howard.edu>
Status: RO
Content-Length: 11120

January 24, 1996

Netters:

This is it........ the final draft, and it will soon wing its
way to The Guardian or Vanguard and/or SunRay in Nigeria, whichever will
publish it (preferably on a Sunday), and which we can pay for. Still making
some calls.

[Mobolaji E. Aluko]

Sepribo:

Thanks for your note. I shall respond to your questions on the advert in
public when that time comes - I am waiting for one more piece of
information from The Sunday Concord - a faxed copy of the actual advert
in the newspaper. The bill has been faxed to me, though.

Concerning the choice of Concord, not much should be made about it,
except you have a particular problem with it. The names of newspapers
that I wrote were suggestions, not agreements as you put it. I got to
understand (from Kasirim) that the SunRay would not touch any Ogoni
material (too hot), personally the Guardian to me is still suspect as a
credible news organ (after beggin Abacha), and I was able to talk to
someone directly in the Concord who could give me iron-clad assurance
without demanding prior payment rather than the Vanguard (which we had used
once before anyway.)

Best wishes.

Bolaji Aluko

[kasirim nwuke]

Sepribo and netters,

A little clarification re:SunRay Newspapers. I was very reliably
informed that SunRay Newspapers had refused to publish any adverts,
including condolence messages to the Ogoni on the KSW issue. I duly
passed on this information to Bolaji who was assisting the NET in
getting the advert published. I also suggested to him, in light of the
info. that we should concentrate our efforts on a) The Guardian,
b) The Vanguard, and c) The Concord. Regarding how a decision to
publish in the Sunday Concord was reached, Bolaji has said (vide infra)
that he will explain to the NET in due course.

My purpose here was to confirm that I did indeed suggest to him that SunRay
Newspapers, Port Harcourt might not be in our choice set.

o.kasirim nwuke
---------------------------------- end of message ----------------------

[Ayo Ojo]

Emma:

I agree with you totally. Let us stop chasing shadows and concentrate
more on the real substance. And as we all know uneasy lie the head that
wear a crown. Can we just make the job of the crown wearer easier as the
crown wearing business is already so uneasy!

Thanks and regards:

Biodun.

On Mon, 5 Feb 1996, Emmanuel Amaefule wrote:

> Dear Mr. Nwuke,
>
> Enough explanation on why A newspaper was chosen over the other
> to publish the ad.
>
> And to Mr. Sepribo, could you please tell me what, if any, is wrong
> with a particular newspaper being used for the ad.
>
> What would your choice have been and why?
>
> It's about time we started trusting one another with these minor
> responsibilities.
>
> The ad has been placed. It ran. Now what's the problem?
>
> Let's let the sleeping dog lie for once!
>
> Thanks.
>
> Emmanuel