A national conference to groom newly elected representatives on how to
enforce the United Nations Declaration on Rights of Indigenous Peoples
will open in Bori on the 31st of July, 2012.
The conference was originally scheduled for July 22, 2012, but was shifted to include all Ogonis as participants.
The
conference will feature workshops, roundtables and dialogue on
economic, social, political and security issues as well as traditional
displays.
Over 2,500 leaders have been elected to enforce the
rights of indigenous peoples at the village level, while 120
representatives secured mandate to run 33 newly created administrative
districts. 24 custodians of customs and traditions were also elected to
take their seats at the central level as law makers.
On July 22,
2012 a thanksgiving service was held in Ogoni villages, while newly
elected leaders joined together at an interdenominational service at
Teyork, which was organized by the Ogoni Council of Churches to mark the
success of the Ogoni community model elections.
In a message,
MOSOP President/Spokesman, Dr. Goodluck Diigbo said: “Ogoni is poised to
enforce UNDRIP and the Ogoni people expect to see a significant track
record, responsive grassroots leadership, accountability and capacity to
implement programs to address the needs of Ogoni villagers.”
Diigbo
said: “Ogoni Central Indigenous Authority (OCIA) must break with the
culture of corruption and public deception that are the hallmarks of
Nigerian politicians.”
Diigbo said the success of OCIA will prove
to the rest of the world that nonviolence can still make a difference
in a world of extreme violence and terrifying bloodshed.
The
Ogoni Central Indigenous Authority was established and approved by the
entire Ogoni people in line with the Ogoni Bill of Rights and for the
realization of the benefits of the United Nations Declaration on Rights
of Indigenous Peoples, which authorizes indigenous peoples to exercise
political autonomy.
Tambari Deekor
MOSOP Media, Associate Editor
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