The Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) has expressed concern at the inconclusiveness of the widely publicised overhaul of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Restoration Project (HYPREP), which, if concluded, would revitalise the Ogoni clean-up exercise.
A statement signed by the Secretary-General of MOSOP, Bari-ara Kpalap, indicated that “The progress of the project has been imprisoned by obvious inefficiency, lack of transparency and accountability, and related weaknesses.
“We recall that the Honourable Minister of Environment and Chairman of HYPREP’s Governing Council, Dr. Mahmood Abubakar, obtained Mr. President’s approval for the purpose since April hence we wonder why the restructuring exercise has remained inconclusive, many months thereafter.
“As it stands, it is Ogoni and her environment that are suffering. MOSOP would thus urge the minister to ensure the conclusion of the process as we enter the first months of 2021.
“We would equally call on the minister to expedite action on the constitution of the apex structures of HYPREP by calling for nominations from the relevant bodies captured in the agency’s governing gazette. The constitution of the Governing Council (GC) and the Board of Trustees (BoT) would aid effective governance of the project including check and balance.
“However, we are concerned about reports making the rounds that there are moves to bring back Dr. Marvin Dekil to the agency. This will be unacceptable to MOSOP and an overwhelming majority of the Ogoni population. And we will use all civilize means to resist it.
“The failings of the Ogoni environmental recovery exercise seats squarely on the lapses of Dr. Dekil hence his return will not be helpful to the project and the good intention of Mr. President to resolve the Ogoni environmental crisis through the clean-up exercise. However, we would caution against succumbing to pressure by busybodies and economic demons. This, in our view, would put the minister’s good relationship with the Ogoni people at risk if our advice is not heeded.
“The former project coordinator emplaced a management approach, which held no regard for procedure and law. We are aware that he, against Nigeria’s procurement act, awarded livelihood contract valued at millions of naira and made a 100% upfront payment when the contractor has not even started work. This is lawlessness and violated the said procurement act. We are also aware of other similar violations.
“Meanwhile, we wish to reiterate our unwavering stance against water trucking to Ogoni communities. Facts abound of modern technologies that can adequately deal with the water issue without trucking. The water, we insist, has to be piped to all Ogoni communities and not a select few. Water, we would say for the umpteenth time, is the only benefit of the clean-up project that would be Ogoni wide.
“MOSOP would likewise advice that training of Ogoni youths, sustainable livelihood for our people and alternative employment for artisanal refiners amongst others be prioritized as we enter the New Year,” the statement added.

By: Susan Serekara-Nwikhana