MOSOP Supports NSA Dialogue as Key to Resolving Ogoni Crisis

The Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) has encouraged the Ogoni community to support the ongoing dialogue process coordinated by the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA). MOSOP President Fegalo Nsuke described this initiative as the best opportunity to resolve the long-standing Ogoni crisis, which has persisted for over three decades due to resistance against oil exploration in the region. Speaking in Bori, the traditional headquarters of the Ogoni people, Nsuke noted that the Federal Government's decision to engage with the community through dialogue marks a significant change from previous, more imposed approaches.

Nsuke expressed MOSOP's commitment to the dialogue, highlighting its potential to pave the way for peace, development, and economic progress for the Ogoni people. He cautioned that some individuals are attempting to undermine the dialogue process, motivated by personal interests that thrive on the ongoing crisis. "There is an attempt by people who do not have life outside MOSOP to scuttle the work of the Ogoni Dialogue Committee. We have been in this for 33 years, and the government has opened discussions with the Ogoni people through the committee. This is a fine opportunity to resolve this problem," he stated.

He reiterated MOSOP's full cooperation with the dialogue process, emphasizing the desire for an end to the crisis and a future marked by development and economic stability in Ogoniland. Nsuke urged the Ogoni people to remain vigilant against vested interests that could derail the peace initiative. He called for constructive engagement, appealing to both the Ogoni community and other Nigerians to support the Federal Government's efforts.

Addressing concerns about reported leadership disputes within MOSOP, Nsuke dismissed claims of a crisis, asserting that the organization's leadership remains intact. He pointed out that a court had nullified the election of a rival faction and that the matter is currently under review by the Court of Appeal. "I was properly elected at the MOSOP Secretariat on December 19, 2018, and I remain president of MOSOP. Until the court decides otherwise or a properly constituted Steering Committee conducts fresh elections, I remain the president," he affirmed. Nsuke added that the MOSOP Steering Committee has resolved that the current executive will stay in office until all legal matters are resolved and new elections are held.