The Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People (MOSOP) has expressed strong opposition to the ongoing talks led by the National Security Adviser (NSA) regarding the resumption of oil production in Ogoni, demanding that the Nigerian government allocate at least 20% of profits from extractive activities to the development of the region.
In a statement issued over the weekend in Beera, Gokana local government area, Celestine Viura, leader of the Forum of Kingdom Coordinators and Chapters of MOSOP, called for the creation of an Ogoni Development Authority (ODA) as a critical step towards resolving the region’s longstanding issues. MOSOP’s stance on the matter is clear: oil operators must set aside a minimum of 20% of profits for Ogoni’s development to ensure that the benefits of resource extraction are equitably shared with the people.
Viura also voiced strong disapproval of the NSA-led peace talks, which have been criticized for excluding MOSOP from the discussions. He described the talks as “dishonest,” accusing the NSA of misrepresenting the demands of the Ogoni people and undermining MOSOP’s leadership, which has been at the forefront of advocating for Ogoni rights for over three decades. He stressed that the community’s desires have long been articulated through the Ogoni Bill of Rights, and there should be no need for external parties to redefine them.
“We completely reject the NSA’s attempt to misrepresent our people and our demands,” Viura declared. “For over 30 years, MOSOP has fought for justice and fairness for the Ogoni people, and we will not stand by as others attempt to dilute our voice.”
Additionally, MOSOP renewed its calls for an investigation into the 1994 murders of four prominent Ogoni leaders, as well as the decriminalization of nine Ogoni activists unjustly executed in 1995. Viura emphasized that these are fundamental issues that must be resolved in any future dialogue.
MOSOP also condemned the use of state power to forcefully resume oil extraction in Ogoni, stressing that such actions without addressing the region’s demands for justice and development would only lead to further unrest.
Viura called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene and halt any plans for oil resumption that bypass the Ogoni people’s critical needs, urging a fair, transparent, and mutually respectful approach to resolving the region’s long-standing grievances.
“We urge the government to engage MOSOP in a genuine dialogue that addresses the real concerns of the Ogoni people,” Viura concluded. “Anything less will only fuel tensions and further divide us.”
