Wednesday, April 24, 1996
Olorunyomi calls for international pressure during visitBy
Michael Angell
Daily Bruin Contributor
Even though Nigeria is thousands of miles away, its connections
are as close as Gayley and Le Conte Avenues. That’s where the Shell
and Chevron gas stations are, and both do business with Nigeria’s
military government.
A Nigerian journalist brought up these local affiliations to
Nigeria in a speech at Ackerman on Monday. Through a national tour,
Dapo Olorunyomi hopes to gather international support for a return
to a civilian government in Nigeria.
Nigeria’s government made national news last February when it
executed a prominent activist, Ken Saro-Wiwa. His death brought
international rebukes, yet, Olorunyomi said, the protests have not
had much effect on the military regime.
Nigeria defends Saro-Wiwa’s execution, and maintains that he
murdered four Ogoni activists. The Ogoni people are a minority
group in Nigeria.
Yet despite the government’s claims, some see the execution as
an example of the government’s dictatorial control of the
country.
"The (Nigerian) government seems to gloss over what’s happening
at home," Olorunyomi said. "Because Nigeria has stood out since
February, the army will not yield power through civil means.
Increasingly, the military will use repression to hold on to their
power."
The military stays in power because of the massive profits made
from Nigerian oil, according to the self-exiled journalist. The
country receives about $2 billion annually from American and
European oil companies doing business in Nigeria.
"This is the only country where you’ll find 35-year-old generals
who can retire wealthy," Olorunyomi said. "All industries are owned
by military."
The military government holds onto this monopoly with the help
of the oil industry, said Olorunyomi . He cited an article in The
London Observer which reported that the Shell Oil company supplied
guns to the Nigerian police. In turn, the Nigerian police has
protected Shell property from Nigerians who are protesting the
damage caused by the company.
Shell denies reports that the company has imported weapons for
Nigerian police. The company alleges that it only purchased weapons
once, 15 years ago, from local Nigerian police for the protection
of its staff and facilities.
Shell also issued statements reaffirming its support for human
rights.
"We recently met with representatives of Amnesty International
whose immediate concerns were for those who are currently detained
by the Nigerian authorities, and we were happy to confirm to them
that this is our position," the company said in a prepared
statement.
Shell was also a particular target for activist Saro-Wiwa. The
company drilled in Saro-Wiwa’s native area, Ogoni-land. The
government does not force the companies to follow any environmental
regulations in Ogoni-land, Saro-Wiwa said.
"The oil companies are committing the greatest havoc on
Nigeria," Olorunyomi said. "Despite the promises, the government
has not provided clean water , schools or hospitals or anything
else promised to Ogoni-land. Instead of listening to these problems
the government represses. A real parliament would not tolerate such
abuses."
Oil companies defended their interests in Nigeria. Shell
company, which plans to invest $1 billion to develop and market
natural gas in Nigeria, said their international projects add value
to a country’s resources.
Nigeria became an independent republic in 1960. Like many
post-colonial countries, Nigeria inherited institutions, such as
police and civil service, from the British. But when the British
left, these agencies were weakened. The subsequent power vacuum
allowed the military to take power in 1966, and except for one
four-year break, the military has since controlled Nigeria.
The current regime has promised to relinquish power in 1997. But
Olorunyomi believes such a promise is empty if other countries do
not put pressure on the government.
He also indicated that prominent African Americans, such as
Minister Louis Farrakhan, have received all-expenses-paid junkets
to Nigeria in exchange for spreading a good word about Nigeria.
"(The reports) are fake sentiment and cheap romance," Olorunyomi
declared. "It’s a pity they are falling for this tactic."
The Nigerian government defends its practices, and claims that
Western countries are interfering in their country’s affairs.
Olorunyomi dismisses these arguments.
"Was it wise to stop Hitler or to respect his international
sovereignty?" he asked.
This repression has caused many well-educated Nigerians to flee
the country. Prosper Godonoo, a UCLA researcher in international
education, said exiles like himself are still very interested in
the events at home and often vocalize their concerns about their
homeland.
"We are considered economic refugees," Godonoo said. "Outside
the country is where we’re able to contribute meaningfully to
cause."
Amnesty International, which helped publicize Saro-Wiwa’s
plight, is sponsoring Olorunyomi’s national tour. Joe Baker, deputy
director for Amnesty International, said that Olorunyomi has been
very effective in presenting the plight of Nigerians to
America.
"Nigerians spend lots of money to fight bad publicity," Baker
said. "We’re trying to keep focus on what’s really happening
there."
PATRICK LAM / Daily Bruin
Nigerian journalist Dapo Olorunyomi speaks of the military
dictatorship controlling his homeland, and his desire to end that
rule.