November 10, 1999 will be the forth anniversary of the hanging of Ogoni human rights activist and environmentalist Ken Saro-Wiwa and eight of his colleagues. We will not forget what they died for!
"The struggle continues..." Take action in your community to remember the Ogoni 9 -- and pledge to ending the ongoing persecution and environmental devastation by Shell throughout Nigeria's Niger Delta. Tell Shell they must be accountable for their involvement in the murder of these and thousands of Ogoni. They must be accountable for continuing to destroy peoples' land and peoples' lives with disregard for the environment. Stand in solidarity with the millions across the Niger Delta who demand justice from Shell everyday: the community of Otuegwe where Shell spilled as much as 800,000 gallons of crude oil into the riverine area in 1998. The Etche communities who are fighting not one, but two toxic waste dumps from Shell. The village of Etagberi who have 44 Shell wells in their area yet lack clean water and electricity.
Together we can STOP Shell -- we will not allow the Ogoni 9 to die in vain.
Start planning now!
You have three weeks left to plan an event in your community that will educate and motivate -- many have already started, and now is the time for everyone to solidify their plans. If you have suggestions for actions, please share them!
These are just a few ideas:
1. Take action at your local Shell station! Remember to hand them a letter explaining the significance of the date, your outrage at Shell's activities in Nigeria, and your commitment to boycott Shell products until Shell ends its exploitation of the land and people of the Niger Delta.
2. During demonstrations and events act out Shell's exploitation of the Niger River Delta; the effects of drilling for oil on indigenous populations; Shell lining the pockets of Nigerian military with money; the effects of petroleum products and the automobile on people and the environment.
3. Hold a candle-light vigil for the executed and for the millions still fighting.
4. Get the student senate to pass a resolution stating support for a selective purchasing rule (saying your school won't buy Shell products).
5. Rename (permanently or temporarily )a street/building/common area after Ken Saro-Wiwa and hold activities throughout the day, such as reading Ken Saro-Wiwa's final statement to the military tribunal, showing Delta Force, etc.
6. Hold a poetry/essay/prose reading with writings by Ken Saro-Wiwa and other authors and poets writing about RESISTANCE, ENVIRONMENT, INDIGENOUS RIGHTS, INJUSTICE, HUMAN RIGHTS.
7. Have an information table on campus and get passers-by to sign a petition and write letters.
MOURN FOR THE DEAD,
FIGHT FOR THE LIVING!
CHECK OUT PROJECT UNDERGROUND:
http://www.moles.org
Back to Global Action Alerts
Back to Global Action
This page last updated November 14, 1999
Comments, questions? Send them to dennyhenke@tao.ca