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Tag: MOSOP

  • Ogoni, Presidency begin talks on resumption of oil production

    Ogoni, Presidency begin talks on resumption of oil production

    Stakeholders have expressed concerns over a scheduled Abuja meeting between the Presidency and Ogoni indigenes in Rivers State on the resumption of oil production in their domain.

    The Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People (MOSOP) yesterday confirmed that their representatives were scheduled to meet with the Presidency today in Abuja to resume talks on oil production.

    But in a joint statement by Prince Nuyete Biira, Fegalo Nsuke, and Olu Andah Wai-Ogosu, MOSOP said its leaders had not been contacted for the Abuja meeting.

    The group warned that any discussion on oil resumption in Ogoni land without the involvement of its leadership would not be successful.

    The statement said: “The attention of the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) has been drawn to reports relating to a meeting called by the Presidency on Tuesday, January 21, 2025 in Abuja to discuss issues pertaining to resumption of oil production in Ogoni.

    “While we are not opposed to oil resumption in Ogoni, and considering the impact of the oil crisis on the Ogoni people, we expected proper consultation and inclusivity in conversations relating thereto.

    “Hitherto, the leadership of MOSOP has not been consulted. It is, therefore, surprising that MOSOP learnt of such 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.”

    In the statement, MOSOP said it had made significant progress in restoring peace and unity in the organisation and then people.

    Read Also: Ogoni clean-up: HYPREP upbeat on completion of projects in 2025

    It added: “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 expects 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 ongoing peace and reconciliation efforts, which is pre-requisite for any real development.

    “MOSOP urges 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.”

  • MOSOP frowns overscrapping of Niger Delta Ministry

    MOSOP frowns overscrapping of Niger Delta Ministry

    The Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) has expressed displeasure over the scrapping of the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, saying the development may lead to youth unrest within the region.

    MOSOP, a social movement organisation representing the indigenous people of Rivers State in the South-South region of Nigeria, stated that the government failed to assess if the scrapped ministry achieved the purpose of establishment or not pointing out that due diligence was not carried out before the announcement.

    Recall that the federal government scrapped the Niger Delta Ministry by replacing it with the newly created Ministry of Regional Development.

    Reacting on the development, President of MOSOP, Prof.,Olu Anda-Wai Egosu, while speaking in Lagos recently at the Ogoni Welfare Association (OWA) reception for MOSOP leaders, lamented that the development might drag the region backwards.

    Egosu reiterated that the government should have engaged critical stakeholders in the region before scrapping the ministry. He explained that the disbandment of the ministry whilst it was yet to achieve its mandate was unnecessary.

    On his part, the former President of MOSOP, Dr. Legborsi Piagbara, said that there was supposed to be a timeline for affirmative action.

    He said affirmative action the world over has a timeline, adding that this may lead to the South-South not measuring up with the South West.

    Read Also: MOSOP-U.S. flays states for depending on federal allocations

    “I don’t know the timeline for affirmative action on the establishment of the ministry. At what point did the government meet with the stakeholders to know how developed the region has been? Stopping it now if the purpose of the creation has not been achieved then scrapping it is unnecessary,” Pyagbara said.

    OWA Chairman, Migah Nwinmene, an engineer, expressed satisfaction over the planning process of hosting the MOSOP top brass. He stated that Ogoni cause was paramount to the association, adding that plans were ongoing to develop the environment.

    He noted that the Ogoni tribe was marginalised in Rivers State politics but added that with proper strategies by the indigenous people with like minds, there were indications that the table would turn around positively.

  • MOSOP disowns call to remove HYPREP Coordinator

    MOSOP disowns call to remove HYPREP Coordinator

    The Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People (MOSOP) has rubbished the call by its youth wing,  the National Youth Council of Ogoni People (NYCOP), to remove the Project Coordinator, Hydrocarbon Remediation Project (HYPREP), Prof. Nenibarini  Zabby.

    MOSOP in a statement signed by its Publicity Secretary, Imeabe Saviour Oscar, condemned the call describing it as unpatriotic and self-serving, insisting that the HYPREP project remained work in progress that deserved the support of all true stakeholders of Ogoni land.

    The group said: “The attention of the Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People (MOSOP) has been drawn to a call by the National Youth Council of Ogoni People (NYCOP), the youth wing of this organisation, for the removal of the Project Coordinator of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP).

    “While we disown and condemn such an unpatriotic and self-serving gesture in the strongest terms, we insist that the HYPREP Project is a work in progress and deserves the support of all true sons and daughters of Ogoni, both here and in the diaspora, to succeed.

    “The Project holds enormous benefits for the aggregate mass of Ogoni women, youths, children, and the environment, and we should be constructively engaged to implement the project effectively.

    Read Also: MOSOP writes Senate, demands Bori state for Ogonis

    “We are all beneficiaries of the Project, whether directly or indirectly, and should not be quick to throw away the baby and the bath water when it appears things do not align with our personal interests.

    “MOSOP frowns at perceived pecuniary and self-serving moves that can derail the course of the Clean-up programme, especially the call for the change of the Project Coordinator.

    “Professor Zabbey is the third substantive Project Coordinator of HYPREP. So far, he is making good progress in implementing the thematic areas of the Ogoni Clean-up programme and should be encouraged to stay focused on this mandate.

    “It is a fundamental concern that the constant change of the Project Coordinator is at the base of the slack in the project pace, and we would not be a party to reinforcing this anomaly.”

  • MOSOP threatens to begin hostilities against Fed Govt, firm over East-West Road

    MOSOP threatens to begin hostilities against Fed Govt, firm over East-West Road

    • Group issues 14-day ultimatum

    The Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People (MOSOP), led by Prof. Olu Andah Wai-Ogosu, has threatened to begin hostilities against the Federal Government and Reynolds Construction Company over the dilapidated condition of the East-West road.

    The group issued a 14-day ultimatum to the government and the company handling the Eleme section of the road in Rivers State to return to site or face a shutdown of the road.

    In a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Imeabe Saviour Oscar, MOSOP said: “It is worrisome that despite the huge revenue accruing from within the Ogoni ethnic nationality, especially the Onne  Oil and Gas Free Trade Zone which houses hundreds of companies, the Eleme Petrochemical Company, Eleme Refinery and other federal, state, and private assets, the entire stretch of the road has remained in a sorry state and become a nightmare to travelers. The road is now a death trap to the Ogoni people.

    “Also recall that only recently, a fatal fire accident occurred on that road which destroyed over 100 vehicles and claimed many lives. Many other deaths have continued to occur daily on that road.

    Read Also: MOSOP chieftain welcomes new HYPREP coordinator

    “The government’s silence and inaction are appalling because we had expected that President Bola Tinubu, at this point, would have prioritised the completion of the road, but it seems that’s the opposite.

    “As the voices and representatives of Ogoni people, we are greatly disturbed that the Federal Government has neglected this vital road that links Rivers to other Southern states for too long and we can’t take it anymore. The time for action is now.

    “We are giving the Federal Government a 14-day grace period, beginning from today, to fine-tune whatever arrangements it has with RCC and return to site as Ogoni people are no longer interested in the politics going on with the company and the Federal Ministry of Works.

    “All we need is a speedy completion of that road or we shall shut it down completely and cripple economic activities in that entire zone on the September 3.”

  • MOSOP appeals for completion of East-West road Ogoni axis

    MOSOP appeals for completion of East-West road Ogoni axis

    The Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People (MOSOP) has appealed to President Bola Tinubu, urging the completion of the Ogoni axis of the East-West Road.

    In a statement signed in Port Harcourt by MOSOP’s publicity secretary, Saviour Oscar, the group emphasised the dire condition of the road and the pressing need for government intervention.

    The group highlighted the severe deterioration of the road, saying: “Return contractors to complete the failed Ogoni section of the East-West Road or face protests. It is worrisome to mention that despite the substantial revenue generated within the Ogoni ethnic nationality, the stretch of the East-West Road in our area has remained in the worst state, dilapidated, in fact, a nightmare to travellers and a death trap to the Ogoni people.”

    MOSOP criticised the federal government’s inaction, despite the road being hyped as a completed project.

    They also said the neglect of the road has had devastating consequences for the Ogoni people.

    “This neglect persists despite recent tragedies, including a fatal fire that destroyed over 100 vehicles and claimed lives. The road now soaks blood like a vampire. The government’s silence and inaction are appalling. We have recorded a series of deaths and accidents on that road because of its condition,” the statement added.

    Read Also: Ogoni fresh spill: MOSOP wants FG to evacuate affected communities

    The statement also pointed out that the appointment of the minister of works, David Umahi raised hopes for progress, yet the road’s condition has worsened under the current administration.

    The group also alleged that a financial dispute between Umahi and the construction firm handling the project, RCC led to the firm’s demobilisation from the site.

    “We expected that President Bola Tinubu, upon assuming office, would prioritise the completion of the Ogoni axis of the East-West Road, but the reality is unambiguously opposite. Umahi’s clash with RCC over financial disputes led to the firm’s withdrawal from the site, leaving the project area deserted,” the statement continued.

    MOSOP also expressed its displeasure over the government’s failure to compensate the families affected by the fire and criticised their lack of response to the disaster.

    “As a responsible government, it is expected that the president or any of his representatives would have paid an assessment visit to this section of the East-West Road after that fire incident, but to this day, the government has not shown concern for the situation.

    “Their sudden interest in Ogoniland’s oil exploration contrasts sharply with their neglect of basic infrastructure for its people. How can the government prioritize oil exploration over community welfare? Resuming operations without first improving road conditions is unacceptable.”

    MOSOP has given the federal government a one-week ultimatum to reinstate RCC and ensure diligent project management.

    “We want the federal government to do due diligence and return the construction company to the site, or we shall occupy the East-West Road in protest and stop all economic activities of the federal government’s interest until they come to do the needful. It’s time for action. The East-West Road deserves immediate attention, not further neglect.”

  • MOSOP president hails inauguration of special committee on HYPREP in Ogoni

    The President of Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP), Chief Legborsi Pyagbara, has hailed the ‘eventual’ setting up of the Central Representative Advisory Committee (CRAC) on the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP). He noted that the composition and successful inauguration of members of the committee by the Minister of the Environment, Hassan Zarwa, was a step in the right direction.

    The President of the umbrella organisation of Ogoni people, yesterday in Port Harcourt, stated that with the inauguration of the critical structure, the communication and engagement gap between HYPREP and Ogoni communities would now be fully bridged. He stressed that the CRAC structure would also facilitate the deepening of Ogoni communities’ involvement in key decision making and implementation process of HYPREP, thereby ensuring a win for the communities. Pyagbara hailed members of the special committee for their commitment and dedication, while thanking them for accepting to serve in voluntary capacity on the platform for the benefit of Ogoni people.

  • MOSOP already abolished- Ogoni activist

    Dr Goodluck Diigbo, President, Ogoni Central Indigenous Authority (OCIA), has said that the Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People (MOSOP) has been abolished, warning the public against impostors.

    Diigbo gave the warning as the people marked the 27th Ogoni Day in Bori, Khana Local Government Area of Rivers.

    He said that MOSOP, having achieved its primary objective, has currently been abolished to pave way for an autonomous body that would oversee the implementation of MOSOP’s demand as a collective concern of the Ogoni people.

    Diigbo urged government at all levels and the international community to disregard any person or group parading as MOSOP as they were only using the platform for selfish gains.

    “MOSOP is only a vehicle used by the Ogoni people to project their quest for self government/resource control in Ogoniland.

    “The fact that the MOSOP’s struggle has been able to bring Ogoni to the limelight, especially as regards the demand for the clean-up as well as other demands to better the lot of the Ogoni people, the agenda of MOSOP is adjudged fulfilled.

    “On Aug. 2, 2012, Ogoni people decided to press home a major demand by MOSOP which is ‘self government’ within the framework of our country, Nigeria, and based on that demand the Ogoni Central Indigenous Authority (OCIA) was formed.

    “I was elected president of OCIA because I’m a lover of the Ogoni struggle and close confidant of the late Ken Saro-Wiwa our seasoned activist, and I look forward to tackling the challenge of resource control which is the main agenda of the Ogoni struggle.

    “I will ensure that this body overrides the powers of some Ogoni politicians and brothers who are presently enriching themselves through the Ogoni struggle rather than protect the interest of the people.

    “As I speak, some Ogoni politicians and sections of Ogoni people have sabotaged the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) report implementation in Ogoniland.

    “Infact there is no testimony on ground in Ogoni as regards Ogoni Clean-up and several sums of money associated with it,” he said.

    Diigbo also said that for the UNEP report implementation to be achieved, there was an urgent need for a thorough review of the report and a robust stakeholders engagement in the entire process.

    “If the Ogoni clean-up is anything to go by, then there is need for a joint review of the entire report and also a great need for stakeholders engagement in all ramifications.

    “We all know that the report, endorsed several years ago by UNEP following the environmental challenge recorded in Ogoniland as a result of oil exploration, had over the years grown worse due to delayed implementation.

    “As we speak today, the environmental degradation in Ogoni is worse than yesteryears when UNEP came up with that report, therefore, a thorough review of the entire report is very necessary if a clean-up must be achieved in Ogoniland,” he said.

    Meanwhile, efforts by NAN to get reactions from current leadership of MOSOP, led Mr Legbisi Pyagbara, failed as phone calls and text messages sent to him got no response. (NAN)

  • Assassination plot: Crisis rocks MOSOP

    PRESIDENT of the Movement for Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) Chief Legborsi Pyagbara, and Spokesman of the movement, Fegalo Nsuke, yesterday, disagreed on the assassination attempt on Nsuke.

    MOSOP’s Publicity Secretary claimed that Pyagbara sent assassins after him in Bori, the traditional headquarters of Ogoniland, which is the seat of Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State, calling for resignation of the MOSOP president.

    Ogoni Activists’ Forum, in a statement signed by a former Chairman of the MOSOP Kingdom Coordinators’ Forum, Frank Jonah, described the assassination attempt as despicable and condemnable.

    The Ogoni activists’ forum said: “We are particularly appalled that the attack on Mr. Nsuke was planned by the current MOSOP President, Legborsi Saro Pyagbara, and executed by a gang led by Bariledum Yaamene, with funding from Pyagbara, through the Financial Secretary of MOSOP, Chief Theophilus Dike, an indigene of Buan in Khana LGA.

    “Confessional statement obtained from the gang leader, Bariledum Yaamene, clearly showed that Mr. Pyagbara called the gang leader and asked him to deal with Mr. Nsuke.

    “Pyagbara’s recent conduct, including the plot to assassinate the Publicity Secretary of MOSOP and his blatant disregard for the constitution of MOSOP and failure to put in place the necessary processes for the conduct of elections, which are overdue, are unacceptable.

    “We ask for the immediate resignation of Legborsi Saro Pyagbara, as he has sufficiently constituted himself into a security threat and also an embarrassment to the Ogoni nationality.”

    MOSOP president, while reacting through the Administrative Manager/Secretary of the umbrella organisation, Peter Nbotem, described the assassination claim as false, ill-conceived, totally misleading, and should be discountenanced in its entirety.

    Nbotem said: “It is indeed an amusement to read the campaign of hate and calumny being concocted by a faceless group and its sponsors on a daily basis, aimed at assassinating the character of the MOSOP President, for no apparent reason, other than to please some desperate men and power mongers. It is, however, counterproductive, as despite the strength of the smear  campaign, many genuine watchers now know that all the lies have been falling like a pack of cards.

    “MOSOP, ordinarily, would not react to such frivolous claims, if not for the purpose of putting the records straight. This also becomes necessary for the fact that the claim is part of a larger campaign of calumny and a calculated attempt by the sponsors of the campaign of hate to smear and assassinate the character and the hard-earned reputation of the MOSOP President.

    “As a responsible organisation, we took steps to inform the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Bori, about the the planned attempt to invade and occupy the MOSOP Peace and Freedom Centre, Bori, requesting him to provide adequate security around the centre. As requested, the DPO deployed officers and men of the police to protect the centre and patrol the area. By 4 pm., the policemen retired to their station.”

    As soon as this happened, some unknown young men, numbering about ten, tried to forcibly enter the centre, but they were gallantly repelled by the local security guards, who have been securing the property since 2017. These local security guards are well known to Mr. Fegalo Nsuke, because most of them are from his community, Yeghe. It is on record that on most occasions, Mr. Nsuke had been the one dealing with the security guards, as people from his community.

    “Some moments after the invaders were chased away, Nsuke arrived and threatened the local security guards, but he was informed that the centre could not be opened for him, because there was no approved application to use the place for any meeting and he started a fight with the leader of the local security team, whom he accused of betraying his community, and that he would be dealt with, upon his (Nsuke) becoming MOSOP President.”

    MOSOP’s administrative manager also stated that the local security arrangement was put in place in the wake of the constant invasion and looting of the centre by criminal gangs, which was described as a collective decision of the national executive of MOSOP, with Nsuke proposing the membership of the team, insisting that it was laughable to hear the spokesman claiming that the guards were hired by Pyagbara.

    MOSOP president was described as a non-violent person, who remained the symbol of the non-violent struggle in the Niger Delta, with Nbotem calling on all well-meaning persons, institutions and lovers of the struggle for justice and equity to ignore the false and deceitful claims of Nsuke and his supporters.

     

     

     

  • Resources’ll be utilised for all Nigerians, Says Buhari

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday in Abuja assured Nigerians that the country’s resources will be retained and utilised for the benefit of all citizens, with a strong focus on infrastructure.

    Buhari made the remark when a delegation of Ogoni leaders from the Supreme Council of Ogoni Traditional Rulers and elected leaders of MOSOP visited him at the State House, Abuja.

    Read Also:Nigeria’s water resources troubled, says don

    The delegation also included the academia, women, community and religious leaders.

    Buhari, in a statement by the Special Adviser on Media and publicity, Femi Adesina, said “We will not abuse the trust. What belongs to Nigeria stays in Nigeria and will be utilised by Nigerians,’’

    The President said the challenge of infrastructure in Ogoni-land would have been long resolved with more focus and commitment to improving the lives of the people, instead of the award and re-awarding of contracts without implementation.

    He urged the leaders to prevail on their youths and sensitize their communities more on the benefits of the clean-up process, especially with the involvement of the international community.

    “Certainly I am aware of the challenges in Ogoni-land. But I want to appeal to you as institutionalized leaders to speak more to the youths. With patience, we will prevail together in restoring the environment, especially with involvement of the international community,’’ he said.

    The President noted that the degradation of the environment over the years had undermined the economy of the Ogoni people, adding that commercial farming and fishing will pick up after the restoration.

    “We are working hard to change the situation. I know that if we had power in the country, many Nigerians will create and face their businesses,’’ he said.

    In his remarks, the leader of the delegation, His Royal Majesty King GNK Ogininwa commended the President for the achievements recorded in restoring security and the economy, while calling for more Federal Government attention on the plight of the people in Ogoni-land.

    “Through you, Mr President, we will achieve great things in Ogoni-land,’’ he added.

    King Ogininwa conferred the title of “Meni-Doo-Lenu’’ on the President, meaning the “the King of Doing Good Things in Ogoni-land’’.

    A member of the delegation, Prof. Walter Ollor, presented a list of the needs of the Ogoni people, which includes a national recognition for the Ogoni 12, which includes Ken Saro-Wiwa, improved security and establishment of a Centre for Environmental Excellence.

    Speaking with State House correspondents at the end of the meeting, River State Governorship aspirant, Senator Magnus Abe, said “We are supporting the president because of the things he has done for us; we believe that whatever he can do, he will continue to do.

    “Today, our Majesty conferred a title on the president, and the title he gave the president is Menedolenu of Ogoni, that is the King that does good things for Ogoni people.

    “The president is one of us; he has shown that special relationship with the Ogoni people; there is no condition for whatever the president wants from us,’’ he said.

     

  • ‘We are committed to self-determination’ MOSOP reminds Ogonis

    …Say don’t lose focus

    The Leadership of the  Movement for the Survival of Ogoni people (MOSOP), has charged  Ogoni indigenes to be committed  to the quest for  self-determination and liberation of Ogoni people and not lose focus.

    MOSOP President, Legborsi Pyagbara made the appeal in a statement in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital  to mark the world indigenous people’s day with the theme,  “the Ogoni struggle for environmental restoration.”

    Pyagbara reminded the people that self-determination and Liberation are the kernels of Ogoni struggle and would not be joked with.

    August 9, every year is observed around the World as indigenous peoples day, basically to celebrate the collective fight for self-determination and liberation.

    This year’s event was reportedly held in collaboration with the International Indigenois People’s movement for self-determination and Liberatuin(IPMSDL).

    In a statement issued by the president at the event yesterday,  he said:  ‘’ the global crisis spirals, deepens and worsen as imperialist domination and quest for super profits continue, forests and mountains face immeasurable rate of devastation, most of which are ancestral territories and homes have been plagued with the heightened resource plunder.

    ‘’We are the protectors of our lands, I want us to learn from the Kichwa people of the Amazon in Ecuador on how they assert their rights to self-determination by ousting several oil companies from their region and preserving their forests for the benefits of future generations.” Pyagbara said.

    Charging the audience further said,  “’Not also forgetting the indigenous people of Brazil, Columbia and the rest of Latin America on how they continue to expand and gaining momentum and strength in protecting his indigenous people rights.

    Read Also: MOSOP’s chief slams environmental terrorism

    ‘’The indigenous people of these countries I mentioned are determined to fight imperialist plunder, militarization and also resisting land grabbing schemes by various transnational companies (TNCs) and local oligarchs, presently the Ogoni people are standing up against the forceful attempt by the Nigerian government and the oil companies to return to the Ogoni oil fields.”

    The people also uses the celebration to place demands on the FG and said,  ’As we commemorate this year’s World IP day, let us raise the struggle for self-determination in the name of total freedom from all forms of oppression and discrimination. Let us defeat the offensives of imperialism in plundering our lands and resources.

    ‘’We  are calling on the Governments to develop policies, agreements, bi-national plans concerning the indigenous Ogoni people in and around international borders and in urban areas and also guarantee the right to self-determination of the indigenous Ogoni people and ensure that it is respected.

    “The Nigeria government should guarantee the right to self-determination of the Indigenous Ogonis people and ensure that it is respected.

    “Nigerian government should in cooperation with the Indigenous Ogonis people set up a mechanism to combat the adverse effects of migration and provide employment and economic development opportunities within the Ogonis territory.” he stated.

    Furthermore, the people demand that comprehensive statistical information on Ogoni people showing their actual population,  who they actually are and where they are as basic tools for policy development and programs for Ogoni people, amongst others.

    Speaking on the need to preserve Ogonis local language and dialects the President urged parents to teach and allow their children to communicate in their local languages and also advised institutions to prioritise indigenous language that they would not go into extinction.