The Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) has called on Ogoni communities to support the Federal Government’s ongoing dialogue process, describing it as a major opportunity to address decades of grievances and promote lasting peace and development in Ogoniland.
MOSOP President, Fegalo Nsuke, made the call during an engagement in Bori, the traditional headquarters of the Ogoni people. The position was contained in a statement issued by the organisation’s Secretary-General, Alex Akori.
Nsuke said the dialogue, being coordinated by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), represents a departure from previous approaches that were largely based on government decisions without adequate consultation with the Ogoni people.
He noted that after more than three decades of agitation over environmental pollution, resource control and other concerns, the current engagement provides an opportunity for stakeholders to work towards a permanent solution to the challenges facing the region.
The MOSOP president urged Ogoni people to embrace constructive dialogue, stressing that peaceful engagement would provide greater benefits for the communities than continued confrontation.
He, however, alleged that some individuals were attempting to frustrate the dialogue process because of personal interests and benefits derived from the prolonged crisis.
“There is an attempt by people who do not have life outside MOSOP to scuttle the work of the Ogoni Dialogue Committee,” Nsuke said.
He maintained that MOSOP remained committed to finding lasting solutions that would allow Ogoniland to move forward in terms of development, environmental restoration and improved living conditions.
On claims of a leadership crisis within MOSOP, Nsuke dismissed the reports, insisting that the matter had been addressed through legal processes.
He said a court had nullified the election that produced Wai-Ogosu, adding that the leadership dispute remains before the Court of Appeal.
Nsuke maintained that he remains the substantive president of MOSOP, having been elected in December 2018, and that the current executive would continue in office pending the resolution of the legal issues and the conduct of fresh elections in line with the organisation’s constitution.
The Federal Government’s dialogue initiative is part of broader efforts to engage Ogoni stakeholders on issues including environmental remediation, possible resumption of oil activities and socio-economic development after years of tension in the area.
