Respect Citizens’ Rights, MOSOP Tells Military

The Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) has charged the joint military authorities deployed to restore peace in Ogoni land to respect the rights of the people.
MOSOP gave the charge in a statement issued by its Publicity Secretary, Sunny Zorvah and made available to newsmen in Port Harcourt.
The body said it welcomes the current military operations in parts of Ogoni aimed at weeding out criminal elements and cultists who wreaked havoc in the area, including killings and destruction of valuable property.
The statement, however, said the on-going operations should be carried out within the law and respect for the human rights of innocent citizens and prevent bitter experiences.
“We are calling on Ogoni people to remain peaceful, law abiding and support the legitimate operations.
“We assure the Ogoni people that we are monitoring the process to ensure that innocent lives are not lost and we would promptly take actions against any of such operations that lead to any unnecessary attack on innocent individuals following the joint military operations.
“We also appeal that any breach of professional rule of engagement observed in the process should be reported to the appropriate Authority and to our office accordingly,” the statement said.