2015: Ogonis Insist On Governorship Slot

The Movement for the Survivial of Ogoni People (MOSOP) has again renewed its demand for Governorship of Rivers State come 2015 general elections in the state.

MOSOP, the umbrella body for all Ogoni people renewed the demand last Saturday in an address presented by its president Legborsi Pyagbara during the 21st anniversary celebration of Ogoni Day at Bori, the headquarters  of Khana Local Government Area   and the traditional and ancestral home of Ogoni people .

Pyagbara noted that Ogoni is tired of playing second fiddle and would reject deputy governorship slot during the next elections.

He warned politicians from the area not to accept being a deputy governor, adding that, Ogonis have made enough sacrifices for the development of Rivers State and the Nigerian nation.

The MOSOP president said the demand for Ogoni state is still on, stating that the 4th of January every year is to commemorate with the Ogonis who died for the struggle in line with quest for justice, socio-economic and political emancipation.

He said the movement would continue to insist that the United Nation Environment Programme (UNEP) report must be implemented to give the Ogonis a new lease of life.

Pyagbara explained that UNEP submitted its report on the 4th of August, 2001, regretting that after two years, the federal government under Dr Goodluck  Jonathan had failed to implement the report.

He described the non-implementation of the report as genocide against Ogoni people, insisting that the series of non-violent actions by the Ogonis to push for its implementation will continue.

Speaking at the occasion, the Senator  representing Rivers South-East Senatorial District, Senator Magnus Abe, called on Ogoni people to unite and fight for their political and economic rights.

He insisted that it is only where there is peace and unity that development would strive  and urged Ogoni politicians to unite on issues that concern Ogonis without political compromise.

“Our past leaders started this struggle based on the principle of justice for all.  Let us pursue the Ogoni struggle in unanimous manner to end political marginalization, cultural annihilation and economic exclusion”, Abe charged.

Enoch Epelle