The Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) has condemned the Federal Government’s approach to the planned resumption of oil production in Ogoniland, Rivers State, citing the exclusion of key stakeholders.
MOSOP, an umbrella body representing the Ogoni people, expressed concerns that meetings held without the involvement of recognized Ogoni leadership could spark a crisis in the region. The group emphasized that the lack of broad-based consultations undermines ongoing peace and reconciliation efforts critical to sustainable development.
In a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Monday, MOSOP President Olu Andah Wai-Ogosu, alongside leaders Prince Biira and Fegalo Nsuke, disclosed that the organization was not informed about a meeting convened by the Presidency, scheduled for Tuesday, January 21, 2025, in Abuja.
“The attention of the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People has been drawn to media reports concerning a meeting convened by the Presidency on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, in Abuja, to discuss issues related to the resumption of oil production in Ogoni,” the statement read.
MOSOP warned that excluding stakeholders could derail reconciliation efforts and reignite tensions. The group called for transparency and genuine engagement with the Ogoni people to ensure that decisions regarding oil production are inclusive and aligned with the community’s interests.
Oil exploration in Ogoniland was halted in 1993 following a conflict between the local population and oil giant Shell, leading to the company’s exit from the area.