Nigerians take Shell campaign to Jersey
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The Channel island of Jersey is being urged to throw out the multi-national oil giant Shell after allegations that the conglomerate has "blood on its hands". The island's government is being asked to expel the firm in solidarity with oppressed Ogoni tribes people in Nigeria.
Senator Stuart Syvret told the States of Jersey, the Island parliament, that Shell's actions in Nigeria had unleashed an "environmental nightmare" and he claims Shell should not be allowed to renew its lease on land at the island's airport used to store aviation fuel. Shell also owns 60 per cent of the oil storage plant at the harbour in St Helier.
Tonight a delegation from the London association of the Ogoni tribe will attend a public meeting in Jersey to give their version of the bitter feud with Shell. The Jersey "parliament" will vote tomorrow afternoon to decide if Shell should be allowed to renew its lease.
Shell has admitted buying arms for the Nigerian police who guard its installations - 107 handguns bought 15 years ago - but it claims this is normal practice for any corporation operating in the country.
Spokesman Eric Nickson said: "These guns were purchased through the Nigerian police. They are purely for issue to police protecting Shell locations."
However, Terry Ndee, general secretary of the Ogoni Community Association, said: "Would a company really procure weapons for the police of a military administration? There's something seriously wrong."
Ken Soar, Shell's representative in Jersey said if the States refuse to renew the airport lease it will indicate that Shell is not welcome in Jersey. "We own 60 per cent of the fuel oil operation in Jersey. One hundred jobs are at stake."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments