The Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) and the entire Ogoni ethnic nationality have criticised political power brokers for not giving Ogoni people the opportunity to produce Governor in Rivers state.
In a statement by its Spokesperson, Comrade Imeabe Saviour Oscar, MOSOP stated that it was disappointed to discover that the political marginalisation and systemic exclusion of the Ogoni people from the governance structures of Rivers State was still ongoing.
“We watch with deep concern as the current crop of political power brokers in the state and country sidelines qualified Ogoni sons and daughters from strategic leadership positions especially that of the governorship. This exclusion undermines the principles of federal character, equity, and justice.
“MOSOP wishes to remind the Federal Government and the global community that this exact pattern of state-sponsored neglect, economic exploitation, and political stifling led to the tragic extrajudicial execution of the Ogoni Nine and the massacre of thousands of Ogonis over 30 years ago. The wounds of that era remain unhealed. To repeat the same administrative arrogance today is to insult the memory of our martyrs and dare the resilience of our people”, the group stated.
It accused the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and some Ogoni individuals of allegedly jeopardizing the political future of Ogoniland.
“We state categorically that the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, alongside a handful of self-serving, non-representative Ogoni individuals, lacks the moral, political, or cultural mandate to negotiate or decide the fate of Ogoniland.
“We state categorically that no individual or external proxy can sell out Ogoni interests. Decisions regarding our political future requires total community consensus”, MOSOP declared.
It called on Mr. President to with immediate effect, address the political exclusion of the people of Ogoni.
“This is the best time for Mr President to express his sincerity of purpose and approach on his determination to resume oil exploration in Ogoniland with the current political situation”.
“The Federal Government and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, should understand that the people of Ogoni have made tremendous contribution to the survival of not only the Niger Delta region but also to Nigeria at large and as such It is worrisome and devastating that the people of Ogoni could be mocked at this high level.
“Again, as Ogonis, we are not condemning or undermining other ethnic groups in Rivers State, but we believe that at this point, it is supposed to be the people of Ogoni deciding, especially as Mr. President looked towards taking our resources.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu should know that his ongoing quest to resume oil extraction in Ogoniland will remain an absolute impossibility until the fundamental issues of political justice and economic equity are addressed.
“You cannot extract our resources while deleting our voice from the table of governance. A question mark hangs over any oil resumption plan that ignores the blood-bought struggle of our people.
“MOSOP wants to inform Mr. President that if this decision is not rescinded and the political exclusion of Ogoni people not addressed especially in this election circle, it could affect our voting support for the re-election bid of Mr. President.
“We repeat that a few individual cannot speak for the entire Ogoni people. The Ogonis will speak with their votes in the 2027 election. We stand united, resolute, and unshakeable. The Ogoni people will not be silenced, sidelined, or sold out”, the statement read in part.
