photos from the Ken Saro-Wiwa Commemoration at Corrib House, Dublin today

international | rights, freedoms and repression | news report Thursday November 10, 2005 21:29 by Shell to Sea dublinshelltosea at gmail dot com

Shell batten down the hatches rather than come face to face with opponents

Below is the text of the letter which representatives from Ogoni Solidarity Ireland, Afri and Shell to Sea sought to hand in to Shell's Headquarters at Corrib House today, November 10th. The letter was accompanied with a wreath in memory of Ken Saro Wiwa and the Ogoni Eight, who were executed 10 years ago today.

At first Shell refused to even respond to us, but eventually they accepted the letter through the gap in the plate glass door at the side of the building.

Below please find the letter which representatives from Ogoni Solidarity Ireland, Afri and Shell to Sea sought to hand in to Shell's Headquarters at Corrib House today, November 10th. At first Shell refused to even respond to us, but eventually they accepted the letter through the gap in the plate glass door at the side of the building.
-For further information please call Tadhg McGrath 0876181620-


International Day of Remembrance

Ken Saro -Wiwa & Companions





November 10th 2005 is the 10th anniversary of the death by hanging of environmental activist, and internationally renowned writer, Ken Saro - Wiwa and his eight companions:



Mr.Daniel Gbokoo

Dr Barinen Klobel

John Kpuinen

Baribor Bera

Saturday Dobee

Felix Nuate

Nordu Eawoh

Paul Levura





We have gathered here today to honour and respect the high price paid by these brave men, their families and communities, in seeking to negotiate with Shell and the Nigerian Government for the environmental, human and political rights of the Ogoni people.



Their vision was simple. They sought justice and a peaceful existence for all.

Unfortunately Shell's views were more aligned with those of the Nigerian Military Government with regards to natural resources and the rights of indigenous peoples.



Ogoni Solidarity Ireland is aware of Shell's silence as the world pleaded with the Nigerian Military Government for the lives of the 9 Ogoni men.



This silence has forever tainted Shell Oil. It was both the Nigerian Military Government and the hidden collusion of Shell that martyred these visionary men of conscience. In doing so Shell has stamped the names of Ken Saro -Wiwa and his companions in annals of World History as the prophetic activists who dared to stand up and take on one of the world's biggest oil companies.



10 years later we continuesto question Shell's modus operandi with local communities both in Ireland and particularly in the developing world.



We say to Shell; work with local people in a way that respects their basic human, environmental and political rights. We reiterate our support for and solidarity with the Rossport 5 and the communities in North Co Mayo who as a result of Shell's involvement in their area, have a special empathy with the ogoni people as they commemorate the 10 th anniversary of their inspirational leaders.



We do not want to see the experience of the Ogoni people replicated in Rossport or anywhere else the world.



Yours Sincerely



Ogoni Solidarity Ireland

Afri

Shell to Sea