In the last 48 hours, oil giant Shell’s appalling record of pollution in the Ogoni region of the Niger Delta has come under intense scrutiny. Below are some of the key stories, links and videos on this urgent issue. Please share them widely with everyone you know.
· BBC World News: live interview with PLATFORM
This top story on BBC World News exposes the shocking extent of Shell’s 50 years of oil spills in Ogoni. A UN report released yesterday accuses Shell of failing to maintain leaking pipelines and covering up the pollution by certifying heavily contaminated sites as “clean”. PLATFORM’s Ben Amunwa provided the analysis.
· Channel 4 News: The world’s largest oil spill
Last night’s Channel 4 News featured a special report on Shell’s admission of liability for 2 recent oil spills in Bodo, Ogoni. PLATFORM’s Ben Amunwa gave insight into the widespread nature of oil spills in the Niger Delta. Watch here.
· The Guardian: Shell has a long way to go to make amends
In this heartfelt comment piece, journalist and human rights defender Patrick Naagbanton from the Centre for Environment Human Rights and Development (CEHRD) in Nigeria responds. Originally from Bodo, Patrick’s reaction to the devastating spills in the community and the news that Shell could be held accountable is well worth a reading. You can also listen to Patrick in this exclusive PLATFORM podcast .
· msnbc.com: Shell admits liability for huge Nigeria oil spill
This article gives an overview of the case against Shell for 2 recent oil spills in Bodo and also features comments from the lawyers at Leigh Day & Co who filed the case in London, as well as analysis from PLATFORM and Amnesty International. Read more here.
· Shell’s response is disappointing
With all the international criticism of the moment, you would expect some humility from Shell. But the company’s reaction has been typical. Shell deny responsibility for the majority of spills, and blame the Ogoni people for the company’s decades of mess. Let the director of Shell Nigeria, Mutiu Sunmonu, know what you think on Youtube by using the “dislike” button, adding a comment or a video response.
