The attention of the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People,
MOSOP, has been drawn to concerted plan by the Nigerian Government to
commence oil drilling activities in Ogoniland, using security agencies
and other criminally minded non-state actors to shield operations of
the oil company.
The said oil operation, with military cover, is billed to commence in
the coming months, as parties involved have been instructed on their
respective roles. Each of the security agencies listed in the plan has
been tasked with specific roles and responsibilities, particularly, in
tackling voices of dissent in the Ogoni community.
MOSOP is particularly disturbed about this latest development and
actions of the Government, considering its possible negative
implications and the crisis it might cause among the people, in the
communities and with the company involved.
It is unfortunate and disappointing that rather than going through the
proper and legitimate means and process, the government chooses to
ignore the people of Ogoni and prefers to engage and impose an oil
prospecting company on them, even with an intent to intimidate, suppress
and kill the people more with the use of heavily armed security forces.
As part of this plan, we are aware that some companies have also
commenced some clandestine discussions with agents in and outside Ogoni
on how to facilitate the success of such operation.
We appeal to all those involved to discontinue the unholy and selfish
alliance and allow the people decide on this matter and make their
choice, without being forced to do so.
We have consistently stressed that whilst we are not opposed to
discussions relating to resumption of oil production in Ogoniland, the
federal government and its agents must engage in a broad-based
discussion with the Ogoni people that addresses the issues of benefits-
sharing, community participation and the proper environmental management
of the Ogoni ecosystem, including legacy issues arising from the over
four decades of reckless oil operations in the land.
This is not about the deceit enveloped as corporate social
responsibility(CSR) activities but about sustainable outcomes that can
take the Ogoni people into the forseable future.This is the only way
the government can gain the confidence and acceptance of the Ogoni
people that we are not going back to the same inglorious past of
reckless oil exploration and zero benefit to the people and their land.
MOSOP is ready and will continue to engage and cooperate with any
process that respects and recognizes the rights of the people and the
community, but will vehemently oppose any form of injustice and
intimidation of our people.
MOSOP stands ready to support any genuine economic activity that will
benefit and is in the overall interest of our people, but we will not
allow a process that undermines our natural existence and subdues our
rights as a people.
We, therefore, reiterate our avowed position to resist any attempt by
the government and any company or their agents to re-enter any Ogoni
community for the purpose of carrying out oil exploration activities
by FORCE without due consultation and broad-based discussion and
agreement with genuine and competent representatives of the people and
key stakeholders in Ogoniland.
We are prepared to resist them with the last drop of our blood.
MOSOP charges Ogoni people to remain resolute and resilient in the days
ahead and be prepared. We also extend our call to our teeming
supporters and members of the international community to take notice of
the proposed devilish and genocidal plan of the Nigerian government
against the Ogoni people and continue to offer your support to us,
especially in the time of this genocidal conspiracy against us and our
land.
Signed:
Sunny Zorvah
Acting Publicity Secretary
May 8,2019.
