The United States chapter of the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) has made a strong appeal to the Federal Government and regulatory authorities to exclude Ogoni oil fields from ongoing bidding rounds, warning that premature oil resumption could disrupt the fragile peace process in the region.
Call for Caution in Oil Block Allocation
Dr. Anderson Ngbobu, former president of MOSOP USA, emphasized the delicate nature of the current situation during a statement delivered in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. He stressed that while stakeholders are cooperating positively, it would be premature to bypass ongoing negotiations that could potentially trigger avoidable unrest in Ogoniland.
"The situation in Ogoniland remains very fragile," Ngbobu cautioned. "We have achieved significant internal reconciliation among the Ogoni people, and discussions with the federal government have been productive so far. There is a critical need to maintain this positive momentum and address remaining concerns before considering any return to oil production activities."
Progress in Peace Negotiations
MOSOP President Fegalo Nsuke acknowledged the significant strides made in resolving the long-standing Ogoni crisis, particularly praising the current administration's approach. He highlighted several key issues that require continued attention, including the establishment of an industrial park and reexamination of the controversial trial and execution of Ken Saro-Wiwa and eight other Ogoni activists on November 10, 1995.
"We have made substantial progress toward resolving the Ogoni crisis within the past year," Nsuke stated. "The President deserves commendation for this approach. However, we urgently call for the removal of Ogoni oil blocks from current bidding rounds to prevent jeopardizing the peace process."
Critical Demands for Sustainable Peace
The organization outlined several fundamental requirements that must be addressed to ensure lasting peace in the region. These include substantial progress on the industrial park project, resolution of issues surrounding the execution of Ken Saro-Wiwa and others, and recognition of self-determination for the Ogoni people as a distinct ethnic nationality within Nigeria.
Nsuke appealed to the Ogoni community to maintain calm, acknowledging that while not all concerns can be resolved immediately, demonstrated progress would build confidence and trust among the people. "We urge the government to seriously acknowledge and address the legitimate concerns of the Ogoni people and other ethnic nationalities," he emphasized. "Neglecting these communities could undermine achieved progress and lead to significant setbacks in the future."
The ongoing peace process represents a crucial opportunity to address historical grievances while ensuring that economic interests do not override community welfare and sustainable development in the Niger Delta region.
