Andrews Welcomes Ogoni Releases in Nigeria

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. David Andrews T.D., has welcomed yesterday's decision by the Nigerian authorities to grant unconditional release to the Ogoni 20. "I have always held the inhumane detention of these people since 1994 under threat of internationally impugned procedures to be utterly unacceptable" the Minister said.

"These releases are an important positive step in a new direction. I hope that, along with other elements of the new political climate emerging in Nigeria, the abuse of political and economic power will now become a thing of the past in that country. If the current momentum towards reform can be maintained and deepened at local level, including in Ogoniland, then I have no doubt that Nigeria will assume its rightful place as a prominent member of the international community. The Government will continue its efforts in support of such reform both bilaterally and along with our EU partners ".

Recalling the consistently strong position taken by Ireland in relation to the Ogoni and other human rights issues in Nigeria, the Minister expressed his "deep appreciation of the commitment shown by those Irish activists who have campaigned tirelessly on behalf of the late Ken Saro-Wiwa and the Ogoni people since 1994".Top