By: Felix Ikpotor
Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) has insisted that despite news in some sections of the media that the body is embroiled in crisis a result of the implementation of the UNEP Report, the apex Ogoni body is intact and waxing stronger .
The body said that there is no crisis in the organisation and called on the Ogoni people and the general public to discountenance the reports.
However, MOSOP said it is aware of plots by some unscrupulous elements in Ogoni in slick alliance with some external masterminds bent on frustrating the UNEP report implementation process because they are not in charge.
The body alleged that they have resorted to fomenting trouble in MOSOP and Ogoni in general to create the opportunity for government to back down on resolving the environmental crisis in Ogoni through remediation and restoration of the hydrocarbon impacted Ogoni environment. MOSOP noted that the gangs, by themselves and via their agents have been spreading spurious allegations that the Minister of Environment has already squandered over five hundred million naira (N500, 000, 000) of the Ogoni clean-up fund on personal effects and so-called consultations, adding that they have as well procured some gullible individuals connected with MOSOP to act the spoilers’ role in the organisation.
The body said: “Coming at our threshold of making history and at a time when government is making visible efforts to ensure environmental justice for the Ogoni people, disappointingly demonstrates insensitivity and a direct affront against the collective interest of the Ogoni people and thus most unfortunate. Working against your people indirectly or directly is an ill wind that will blow no one any good including the perpetrators. We would therefore advice these low minds to stop forthwith. Ogoni, we must say, is bigger than all of us and the people will not fold their hands while their interests are toyed with by a selfish and devious gang”.
It added that, “In sofar as we are concerned, the leadership of MOSOP led by Mr. Legborsi Saro Pyagbara has the confidence and mandate of our people and no degree of plots, threats or blackmail would sway this stance. We know the forces at play and since MOSOP could survive the dreadful and murderous military regime of the despotic General Sani Abacha; this current approach by these dangerous internal enemies is also bound to fail”.
MOSOP however, enjoin all Ogonis to close ranks and work together for the common goal of the people.
