Rivers
FOWA Dismisses Smear Campaign Against MOSOP
The Federation of Ogoni
Women’s Associations (FOWA), has branded attempts to portray the Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People (MOSOP), as insensitive to the interest of Ogonis, especially relating to the issue of Ken Saro-Wiwa Polytechnic, Bori, as needless and unfortunate.
FOWA said this in a statement in Bori, signed by its Public Relations Officer, Helen Nkpaakpaa, and made available to The Tide, at the weekend.
The umbrella organisation of Ogoni women, urged those behind the attempts to pitch the community against MOSOP, to redirect their energy and resources toward resolving the unending insecurity in the area, which it alleged, was undoubtedly the main obstacle to enrolment and learning at the institution as well as the socio-economic wellbeing of the area.
‘According to the statement, “FOWA is aware that MOSOP played significant roles in ensuring that the Ken Saro-Wiwa Polytechnic, Bori, attained the high and enviable standard it has had over the years”, adding that “we are also aware that MOSOP is finalising strategies to ensure that the current standard is taken to the next level.
“It is, therefore, ridiculous for anyone, particularly Ogoni citizens, to think that MOSOP would destroy the same institution it has laboured to build and doing all within its powers to foster her further elevation,” FOWA stated.
It further emphasised that FOWA was “aware that the MOSOP leadership has begun the process of engaging the Government of Rivers State with a view to securing its commitment to improving the school’s facilities and ensure that unaccredited departments are recognised as well as upgrade the polytechnic to a degree-awarding institution.
“FOWA would continue to stand by the leadership of the movement and would advise the leadership not to be distracted by the noise and sentiments of her detractors but to remain focused in moving Ogoni from her disturbing circumstances to the promised land of peace, justice and prosperity,” the statement added.
Susan Serekara-Nwikhana