Native Ruler Samuel Asongho performing traditional ceremony in support of the Ogoni Autonomy and other native chiefs at Ken Saro-Wiwa Peace and Freedom Center.
Chief Asongho signed the authority and performed the ritual that led to the allocation of the land for the building of Peace and Freedom Center named in memory of Ken Saro-Wiwa
Ogoni Native Rulers Back Ogoni Self-Government, says Ogoni Farmers' Association.
President of Ogoni Farmers Asscociation, Native Ruler Samuel Asongho says self government must revive local economy.
“We expect that the Ogoni Self-Government can end further attempt to subject Ogoni culture to forced assimilation and destruction of our means of livelihood without any replacement,” said a native chief in Bori, Chief Samuel Asongho who is also the President, Ogoni Farmers Council (OFA).
Chief Ashongo who holds the vice presidency of Council of Ogoni Traditional Rulers Council (COTRA) implored the Ogoni people to reject any action which effect would be to deny the Ogoni people their integrity, means of livelihood, forests, lands, rivers and cultural heritage.
He said the Ogoni people did not deserve to be murdered for speaking out for their own rights and that those who fear that allowing Ogoni rights would affect theirs, should let Ogonis know that, instead to murder innocent people, as was done to Ken Saro-Wiwa and others, and not shed blood on sacred lands.
Chief Asongho called on all Ogoni people to continue in the peaceful manner they have conducted themselves since the declaration of Self-Government, and not allow those who have become slaves and want to remain slaves to tempt or provoke them into violence.
The traditional chief dismissed propaganda that the Ogoni people are divided, saying there is always some people who often feel threatened by change and the common good, because they are selfish and have no love for their fellow human beings.
Chief Asongho spoke after he led a peaceful procession in support of the declaration of self-government form Ken Saro-Wiwa Peace and Freedom Center to Birabi Memorial Grammar School (BMGS), Bori, where commended the legacy of Paul Naakuu Timothy Birabi and Ken Saro-Wiwa for the pioneering role they played for Ogoni freedom.
Asongho pledged that the Ogoni Farmers Council (OFA) and Council of Traditional Rulers Association (COTRA) stand with Dr. Goodluck Diigbo, MOSOP President /Spokesman and will contribute whatever they can to make sure that the self-government work for the benefit of the entire Ogoni people.
Hon. Dum Ade John Budam
MOSOP Secretary General