Nigeria hears Ogoni oppression

Ken Saro-Wiwa was hanged in 1995

The human rights commission set up by the Nigerian Government starts examining cases involving the Ogoni people, who suffered severe repression under the previous military administration.

The commission, which began sitting in the southern city of Port Harcourt a week ago, is scheduled to hear petitions from Ogonis throughout the course of the week.

The Ogoni people came to the world's attention in 1995 when nine leading campaigners, including the writer Ken Saro Wiwa, were executed after being found guilty of murder by a military tribunal.

They were calling for self-determination for their small ethnic group in the impoverished oil-producing region and they accused the oil company, Shell, of colluding with the military.

Their hanging led to international sanctions against Nigeria and its suspension from the Commonwealth.

Hundreds of other Ogonis were arrested and tortured and many were killed during military rule which ended in 1999.

Petitions

Thousands of petitions have been prepared by Ogonis for the human rights commission, which Nigerians hope will perform a similar role to South Africa's Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

President Obasanjo: Visited Ogoniland last year to appeal for unity

Ken Saro Wiwa's son is one the petitioners.

But our correspondent says the sharp divisions within Ogoniland will also be on display.

The first people due to give evidence this week are relatives of four prominent Ogonis who were killed in 1994.

The relatives blame Ken Saro Wiwa and his supporters for the deaths.

The commission has already held hearings in Lagos and Abuja which have been closely followed on television by the Nigerian public.

Shell is due to give evidence, but few Ogonis have much faith in the commission, which is being seen as toothless.