MOSOP Demands Ogoni State …As Condition For Resumption Of Oil Prospection

Representative of the Rivers State Governor, Hon Magnus Abe (right) conferring with the chairman of the occasion, retired Hon Justice Karibi Whtye at the 3rd Bi-Annual National Conference of State Governors’ Special Advisers at Hotel Presidential, Port Harcourt, yesterday. Photo: Nwiveh Donatus Ken

The Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People (MOSOP) says the creation of an Ogoni State is the only condition for the resumption of oil exploration in Ogoniland.

A factional president of the movement, Mr Goodluck Diigbo said this while addressing a mammoth crowd during the 14th anniversary commemoration of the hanging of Ken Sawo-Wiwa and eight other Ogonis by the Abacha military junta. Mr Diigbo said that he has already met those at the helm of affairs in Abuja on the issue but regretted that some of those in authority are not disposed to the creation of an Ogoni state.

He also said that he stands by the Ogoni demands as encapsulated in the Ogoni Bill of Rights (OBR), stressing that part of the demand is the creation of Ogoni State. Mr Diigbo also promised to ensure self determination for the Ogonis as an indigenous people.

“The new leaders of MOSOP will fight non violently and lawfully and the Ogoni people shall win”.

‘The Ogoni struggle is not the struggle for leadership, but a struggle to liberate the Ogoni people from the shackles of oppression and injustice, he said.

The MOSOP leader also said that the Ogonis are happy with the proposed clean-up of oil spill sites in the area but stressed the need for the  involvement of the people in the process.

According to him, Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) ought to be carried out while Ogoni people bring independent experts to join in the cleaning process.