…Says effort amounts to futility
By: Felix Ikpotor
The Movement For The Survival of Ogoni People, MOSOP, has lamented its exclusion in a proposed meeting summoned by the Presidency with some Ogoni leaders to discuss the resumption of oil exploration in the area fixed for today (Tuesday).
A MOSOP statement jointly signed by Feghalo Nsuke, Prince Nuyete Biira and Professor Olu Andah Wai-Ogosu, all factional presidents of the body, said while they are not opposed to resumption of oil exploration in Ogoniland, they expect that considering the impact of oil crisis on Ogoni people, they expect that there should be proper consultation and inclusiveness in the conversation with Ogoni people relating to the resumption of oil in Ogoniland.
The statement also said the leadership of MOSOP has not been consulted, adding that it is surprised to learn of the convocation of the meeting in the media.
The statement noted that no meaningful engagement on oil resumption can yield any fruit without the involvement of MOSOP.
The statement said: “Hitherto, the leadership of MOSOP has not been consulted. It is therefore surprising that MOSOP learnt of such a meeting in the media. It is important to state that any discussion concerning oil resumption in Ogoni and related matters cannot be successful without the involvement of the leadership of MOSOP.
“It is instructive to note that MOSOP has made significant progress in restoring peace and unity in the organization and Ogoni in general. We hope the non-inclusive meeting will not undermine the peace building efforts of MOSOP and the achievement made on Ogoni Day, January 4, 2025. Furthermore, MOSOP expect that the meeting will not dampen the progress made in persuading the Ogoni people to buy into the oil resumption campaign.
“MOSOP is concerned, and particularly worried that the outcome of the proposed meeting could trigger civil uprising in Ogoni and jeopardise the gains of on-going peace and reconciliation efforts, which is pre-requisite for any real development”.
MOSOP however urged various interest groups within and outside Ogoni to support the ongoing peace process to speedily achieve a mutually beneficial resolution of the problem.
“We call on the Ogoni people to be calm, peaceful and law-abiding as we pursue an enduring resolution of the controversies”.
