UPDATE: Celebrations to Mark Ogoni Autonomy Begin
Businesses will be temporarily closed from 9am to 12 noon on the 2ndof August.
The Ogoni people will peacefully celebrate the day in various ways, including presentations of cultural shows and dances in their cities, towns and villages.
The celebration will last from Thursday to Sunday.
There will be a thanksgiving inter-determinational service on Sunday, 5th of August 2012 at Teyork.
All security forces, local government offices, schools, markets, businesses, transporters, shop owners and travelers have been advised to take note.
In a statement, MOSOP President/Spokesman, Dr. Goodluck Diigbo advised that: Every celebrant must act nonviolently, peacefully and orderly.”
See full text below:
Thursday, August 2, 2012 Work Free Day in Ogoni
General Assembly sets 2nd August 2012 for Ogoni Political Autonomy
The date to decide the destiny of Ogoni people in southern Nigeria is set to be on the 2nd of August, 2012.
It means Ogonis will observe every 2nd of August each year as a day of internal independence in Nigeria. This will be the first time that the Ogoni people will exercise self-determination in almost 111 years.
The General Assembly of the Ogoni people voted today, July 31, 2012 to approve the 2nd of August as a part of the nationwide general conference on the United Nations Declaration on Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Tens of thousands of Ogoni people participated in the conference.
A MOSOP Media Statement said the date was tabled by MOSOP President /Spokesman, Dr. Goodluck Diigbo at the Ken Saro-Wiwa Peace and Freedom Center, Bori – ancient and modern capital of Ogoni.
Diigbo said by the adoption and approval of a date for political autonomy by the Ogoni people themselves; the Ogoni have reshaped a new future for their nation, children and grandchildren and succeeding generations unborn.
“I am very delighted to announce that the Ogoni autonomy is irreversible,” Diigbo declared.2nd of August 2012 has been declared a work free day for all Ogonis.
Businesses will be temporarily closed from 9am to 12 noon on the 2nd of August, while the Ogoni people will peacefully celebrate the day in various ways, including presentations of cultural shows and dances in their cities, towns and villages. The celebration will be concluded on Sunday, 5th of August 2012 with an inter-denominational Service at Teyork. Schools, markets, businesses, transporters, shop owners and travelers are advised to take note.
Diigbo has advised every celebrant must act nonviolently, peacefully and orderly.
Signed:
Dr. Goodluck Diigbo
MOSOP President/Spokesman