remember saro-wiwa's podcast

Network Africa, the BBC World Service's flagship programme broadcasting across the continent, interviewed Platform's Ben Amunwa about the new report which implicates Shell in a decade of new human rights abuses in Nigeria. Shell declined to attend the interview.

US radio station Free Speech Radio News interviews Platform's Ben Amunwa on the new report, Counting the Cost, which implicates Shell in new human rights abuses in Nigeria.

BBC Business Daily interviewed Platform in detail about its new report on Shell's human rights abuses in the Niger Delta. Shell were invited to the interview but refused. The BBC World Service broadcast the report to hundred millions of listeners worldwide.
The report, titled 'Counting the Cost' implicates Shell in cases of serious violence in Nigeria’s oil-rich Niger Delta region from 2000 to 2010. The report uncovers how Shell’s routine payments to armed militants exacerbated conflicts, in one case leading to the destruction of Rumuekpe town where it is estimated that at least 60 people were killed. According to Platform’s report, Shell continues to rely on Nigerian government forces who have perpetrated systematic human rights abuses against local residents, including unlawful killings, torture and cruel, inhumane and degrading treatment. The report is available to download here: http://j.mp/qHAPr5

CBC Radio Canada broadcast an interview with the author of Platform's new report, Counting the Cost, on Shell's human rights abuses in Nigeria.

PLATFORM's Ben Amunwa was interviewed on the BBC World Service following revelations on Wikileaks about Shell's infiltration of the Nigerian government. In a leaked US diplomatic cable, Shell executive Ann Pickard boasts about how Shell "had access to everything" that was discussed in "all the relevant ministries".
The leak exposes Shell's colonial control over Nigeria's oil. It is clear that Shell has long exploited the political turmoil in Nigeria for it's own advantage.
[NOTE: the lovely newsreader, Claire was wrong to say that PLATFORM took Shell to court in 2009 - we didn't. Though we worked in support of the landmark human rights case she is referring to. Also, Claire mixed up my name with the name of an ex-Nigerian government figure. Ah well... aside from that it was fine]

An introduction to an all new series of podcasts to mark the 15th anniversary of the execution of Nigerian writer and activist Ken Saro-Wiwa (http://remembersarowiwa.com/).
Ben Amunwa, coordinator of the remember saro-wiwa project explains the background to this series of podcasts and shares the experience of what it was like to travel across the Niger Delta interviewing key activists working for social justice.
The remember saro-wiwa project is a PLATFORM initiative which brings together research, activism and events to raise awareness about the impact of multinational oil companies in the oil producing Niger Delta. The project is run by the London-based interdisciplinary arts and campaigns group, PLATFORM. Since the execution of Ken Saro-Wiwa, PLATFORM's work has focused on holding the oil and gas industry accountable for their infringements of rights worldwide.
For more information on PLATFORM, visit the main site: http://blog.platformlondon.org/

This series of podcasts by campaigning group PLATFORM (http://www.platformlondon.org) explores the Niger Delta issue through conversations with leading human rights defenders and influential activists. PLATFORM visited the Niger Delta in Autumn 2010 to conduct research and collaborate with key figures in the movement for environmental justice and social change.

The podcasts are produced by PLATFORM's remember saro-wiwa project, a UK based initiative to highlight the environmental and social impact of oil production in the Niger Delta, and to hold accountable the oil companies, in particular Shell, who benefit from the devastation. For more information and resources, please visit: http://www.remembersarowiwa.com

Episode I is concerned with Women's Rights in Niger Delta, and features an interview with women's rights activist, Emem J Okon, of Kebetkache Women's Resource Centre, based in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. Kebetkache is strong advocate of gender equality and works in some of the challenging regions in the Delta. Following the recent military attacks on Gbaramatu in the Western Niger Delta, Kebetkache set up residential camps for internally dispaced women and children, providing much needed support to the civilians whose homes were destroyed by the military.

Anyone interested in human rights in the Niger Delta should know the name Patrick Naagbanton. An activist, campaigner and human rights reporter, Patrick has a solid reputation as one of the foremost rights monitors in the region. His organisation, the Centre for Environment, Human Rights and Development (CEHRD) is a vital force in the movement for social change in the Delta: http://www.cehrd.org/.
In Episode II we hear Patrick's personal reaction to two historic milestones; the 15th anniversary since the execution of writer and activist Ken Saro-Wiwa, and Nigeria at 50. His sober assessment is a wake-up call to local and international actors in Nigeria.
With decades of experience working in well respected groups in the Delta, Patrick is an incredibly busy person. It took me a week of missed connections before I tracked him down for this short interview. He had returned to Port Harcourt from a recent trip to Aba, where his vehicle was stopped as armed groups exchanged fire across the road. Aba has seen rising insecurity as groups of 'militants' from Port Harcourt have branched into surrounding towns and cities in the South East.
NOTE: [I'm using a stock photo of Ken Saro-Wiwa for this episode's visual aid. As an Ogoni, I'm pretty sure Patrick will be flattered. I was unable to 'snap' him before we parted ways.]
Please visit http://www.remembersarowiwa.com for more information on this series.

Comrade Che is best described as a local legend. Ex-trade unionist, political prisoner, environmental activist and village elder, his life story is complex and fascinating.
In this highly quotable interview, Comrade Che talks about his experiences; how imprisonment under Nigerian military dictatorship changed his understanding of politics; how oil companies work in alliance with their home governments; and about his friend and colleague, the late Ken Saro-Wiwa.
It was an honour to meet an elder aged 78, who stands so firm for what he passionately believes in - socialism.
[NB. Apologies for the background noise on this episode, due to a high velocity ceiling fan...]
For more content on the Niger Delta and oil and human rights related issues, please visit: http://remembersarowiwa.com/