The Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) in the United State of America, USA, has called on Comr. Legborsi Saro Pyagbara to stop parading himself as president of the movement noting his tenure expired on December 31, 2018.
In a communique signed by the chairman of the Caretaker Committee of MOSOP-USA, Dr. Anderson Ngbobu and the secretary, Mr. Augustine Kpuinen, the organisation appreciated Pyagbara’s service but noted that his tenure has expired and therefore he can no longer function as president of MOSOP.
MOSOP USA also called on federal government to fully implement the UNEP report on Ogoniland.
The full press release is reproduced below:
The members of Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People (MOSOP-USA) held their 2019 November 10th Anniversary of the Judicial hanging by Nigeria of Ken Saro-Wiwa and Eight other Activists; November 8-10, 2019 in St. Louis Missouri. Prior to the hanging of the Nine our Four prominent MOSOP leaders were kidnapped and killed by the Nigerian Military
The members of MOSOP-USA reiterate that Shell remains “persona non grata” in Ogoni. Our stance also applies to any form of exploration and exploitation in Ogoni by any other entity; indigenous or foreign.
The members of MOSOP-USA reaffirmed its commitment to non-violence Struggle against local colonialism. MOSOP-USA condemn any act of provocations in Ogoni by the military and the paramilitary. MOSOP-USA appeals to the Nigeria Nation and State governments to set up an independent judicial commission of inquiry to investigate all recent killings in Ogoni and to bring perpetrators to book in accordance with the law and/or recognized international provisions.
The Ogoni Bill of Right (OBR) was submitted to the Nigerian State and to Shell, October 2, 1990. MOSOP-USA wants attended to, in order to ameliorate the people’s suffering. The OBR remains a potent instrument which the government has not fully actualized, and Ogoni still wallow in environmental degradation till date.
The members of MOSOP-USA call on the International community and the Nigerian Government to fully implement the UNEP Report. Report suggested simple Emergency Actions to be taken to ensure acceptable restoration; one which was for Government to set up “OgoniLand Environmental Restoration Authority. The Authority was to have a take-off fund of US$1Billion. But Hydrocarbon pollution Restoration Project set up by government is only about signposts and Billboards and not clean up. Any meaningful clean up should start with the stoppage of Gas Faring in the Niger Delta, provision of portable / clean water and health care for a people who have been so traumatized by Shell’s pollutants forcing all residents in Ogoni to be unwilling Smokers. It is reported that the level of benzene in Ogoni is over 900 times the internationally acceptable standard.
The members of MOSOP-USA congratulate the newly appointed members of its Care-Taker committee (CTC) led by Dr. Anderson Ngbobu, Mr. Augustine Kpuinen and Pastor LedibaBari Yorka. Also congratulated is Barrister Joi Y. Nunieh on her recent appointment as Acting Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). MOSOP-USA calls on the Buhari Administration to make her appointment permanent, so that she can carry out the much-needed reforms in the Commission. The Commission has deviated from original and primary function of developing the Niger Delta Area.
The members of MOSOP-USA resolved that the service of Mr. Legborsi Pyagbara is appreciated. That his tenure as MOSOP President elapsed since December 31, 2018, as clearly provided for by the MOSOP Constitution. Thus, Mr. Legborsi Pyagbara must cease from parading himself as MOSOP President and to abide by the democratic principles of MOSOP. In the same vein, MOSOP USA is thankful for the services of the former FOWA USA national administration and encourage all women to embrace and work with the newly appointed FOWA National Committee headed by Mrs. Regina Mbaka.
The members of MOSOP-USA mourn the tragic and untimely death of Comrade Patrick Naagbanton and do appeal to the Rivers State Government to investigate the circumstances surrounding his terrible murder.
