Nation
FG Plotting Fresh Ogoni Executions, MOSOP Alerts
The Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) has expressed its worries over disturbing signs indicating that the Nigerian authorities are plotting fresh Ogoni executions.
This is coming barely 26 years after the brutal and barbaric execution of nine Ogoni civil rights activists, including celebrated rights campaigner, Ken Saro-Wiwa, on November 10, 1995.
MOSOP, in a statement, yesterday, and signed by its Secretary-General, Alex Akori, said the group is deeply unsettled that the Nigerian Government through its agency, the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC), was sponsoring crises and encouraging conflicts to justify another military crackdown, kill and maim the Ogoni people in desperation to force the resumption of oil production in Ogoni while the state was building prisons and cemeteries in the area.
The statement added that “the recent assault by the NPDC has made the intentions of the Nigerian Government to build prisons and cemeteries in Ogoni become clearer.
“It is now obvious that the government is aware of the plan to kill and imprison us for asking for basic rights.
“MOSOP notes that these actions should not be taken lightly and the world needs to come together to stop this genocide.
“This is genocide and we should not all fold our arms and watch this happen in the 21st century.
“MOSOP condemns the sneaky moves of the NPDC and its allies to violate the rights of the Ogoni people. We note that such backdoor moves will not and have never helped the situation”.
The statement further reads, “We want to make unequivocally clear that the Ogoni people have never been completely against the resumption of drilling activities in Ogoni.
“We have, however, insisted on dialogue as a peaceful means to avert the conflicts and loss of Ogoni lives which has been associated with attempts to force oil production in Ogoni.
“MOSOP urges the Nigerian Government to act and treat citizens with some respect noting that the Ogoni campaigns for justice and fundamental human rights are justifiable. We emphasize that whereas the Ogoni campaigns for basic rights have cost the loss of an estimated 4,000 lives, we do not want any Ogoni lives to be lost anymore.
“We, therefore, call on all parties including Shell, the NPDC and its allies to desist from causing any crises in Ogoni.
“MOSOP notes that it is the right of the Ogoni people to be treated fairly in Nigeria and strongly condemn the government’s use of divisive tactics to push forward its desperation for oil in Ogoni as it portends danger to the lives and peace of local community dwellers who will certainly resist the move.
“MOSOP, therefore, calls for proper and genuine dialogue with all critical stakeholders to address the disputes between Ogoni, Shell and the Nigerian Government.
“We note that the Ogoni people have suffered tremendously in Nigeria and need not be stretched further. We strongly consider the NPDC’s attempt to force oil resumption in Ogoni an assault on the rights of the Ogoni people as an indigenous community in Nigeria.
“While we stress that the Ogoni people were not completely against the resumption of oil mining activities, MOSOP insists on the free, prior and informed consent of the Ogoni people rather than the present use of state-sponsored, crude methods through the NPDC.
“We consider Nigeria’s attempt to forcefully resume oil production in Ogoni against the wishes of the people as coercive, a violation of the rights of the Ogoni people as an indigenous community and in contravention of International Conventions on the Rights of Indigenous peoples.
“Nigeria’s conduct in Ogoni was unacceptable especially at a time when the oil spills from its operations in over 60 years were yet to be cleaned.
“It is on record that Shell and the Nigerian Government have messed up the Ogoni environment and the consequences of the pollution have led to strange illnesses associated with the death of over 300,000 Ogonis in the past 60 years.
“MOSOP condemns every action of the government designed to cause fresh oil spills while they were yet to clean the previous pollution.
“We advise the Nigerian Government to do the right thing to enjoy the support of citizens and not demonstrate the strength of the state to its own citizens.
“MOSOP urges the Ogoni people to remain nonviolent and peaceful as leaders of the organisation work to address these issues in the best way possible.”
The organisation joined the global observance of the day under the theme, “International Day of the Girl Child: End Child Marriage and Invest in Girls’ Rights,” with a sensitisation programme at Government Girls Secondary School, Oromenike, D-Line, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Led by its Vice Chairperson, Daba Benebo, the group engaged the students in discussions on the dangers of early marriage, teenage pregnancy, sexual abuse and other challenges that threaten the education, safety and development of the girl child.
Speaking during the programme, Benebo urged the students to reject early marriage and remain focused on their studies, stressing that education would empower them to make informed decisions about their lives and future.
She cautioned the girls against allowing anyone to deprive them of their right to education and dignity, advising them to report cases of harassment, abuse and other violations of their rights to the appropriate authorities.
Benebo assured the students that SWS remained available to support them whenever they encountered violations of their rights.
She also encouraged them to maintain discipline and responsible conduct while avoiding behaviours that could expose them to negative influences and jeopardise their future.
Beyond formal education, the SWS vice chairperson urged the students to acquire vocational skills that could provide additional opportunities for economic independence and help them navigate future challenges.
The sensitisation programme, enlivened by singing, dancing and to share their views and experiences on issues affecting the girl child interactive sessions, provided an opportunity for the students to share their views and experiences on issues affecting the girl child.
One of the major issues raised during the discussion was the appropriate age for marriage. While some participants maintained that 18 years was the constitutionally approved age, the discussion highlighted the need to consider not only age but also the maturity, preparedness and responsibilities associated with marriage.
The speaker stressed that marriage required adequate mental and emotional preparation, as well as the capacity to shoulder its responsibilities.
She therefore advised the students to concentrate on acquiring a sound education before considering marriage, noting that education would equip them with the knowledge and skills needed to make responsible decisions and manage family life.
The issue of teenage pregnancy also featured prominently during the question-and-answer session.
In addressing the subject, the speaker explained that pregnancy could occur even at the age of 12, using the example to underscore the vulnerability of young girls to the consequences of early sexual activity.
She advised the students to avoid sexual intercourse and prioritise their education, personal safety and future aspirations.
The discussion also examined the difficulties some girls encounter when living with hostile spouses, relatives or guardians.
Benebo encouraged the students to cultivate patience, humility and diligence, noting that these qualities could help them navigate difficult situations and build a brighter future.
However, she warned that patience and humility should never be interpreted as an obligation to endure violence, abuse or degrading treatment.
She urged girls experiencing hostile or abusive living conditions to seek help from their parents, trusted adults or appropriate support services rather than remain in environments that could expose them to physical or emotional trauma.
“When such happens, please return to your parents and engage in petty trade or learn a skill to support your education rather than stay in a hostile environment,” Benebo stressed.
The programme also underscored the importance of protecting girls from early marriage and other harmful practices that can disrupt their education, compromise their well-being and limit their opportunities in life.
It also reinforced the need for families, schools, communities and relevant organisations to work together to ensure that girls have access to education, vocational training, protection and the support they need to realise their potential.
For SWS, the message was clear: empowering the girl child begins with protecting her rights, investing in her education and equipping her with the confidence and skills to make informed choices about her future.
Stories by Kevin Nengia
The initiative, established by former Caretaker Committee Chairman of Akuku-Toru Local Government Council, High Chief Sobomabo Jackrich, popularly known as Egberipapa, is designed to make transportation more accessible and affordable for residents across the Kalabari area.
The scheme was launched on Monday, October 12, 2026, and is expected to address longstanding transportation challenges confronting residents, particularly those in riverine and hard-to-reach communities.
Communities expected to benefit from the initiative include Krakrama, Minama, Angulama, Sangama, Omekwe-Tariama and Omekwe-Ama.
The project is expected to ease movement within and beyond the Central Group area, while providing residents with a more convenient means of transportation for their daily activities.
For decades, transportation difficulties have posed significant challenges to several Kalabari communities, making movement between settlements both cumbersome and expensive. These challenges have also affected commercial activities, social interactions and access to essential services.
The introduction of the mass transit scheme is therefore expected to provide relief to residents, strengthen inter-community connections and stimulate economic activities across the benefiting communities.
Beyond improving mobility, the initiative could contribute to community development by facilitating the movement of people and goods, supporting local businesses and enhancing social and economic interactions within the Kalabari area.
As the scheme gets underway, attention will be focused on its implementation, accessibility and sustainability, as well as its capacity to deliver lasting transportation benefits to the target communities.
The initiative represents a potentially significant step towards addressing transportation challenges and promoting grassroots development across the Kalabari Kingdom.
The family, through its legal counsel, Barrister Ndubuisi Agumagu, issued the warning amid an ongoing legal dispute over the ownership and control of the property, which is said to comprise more than 900 plots of land.
The matter is currently before the Isiokpo High Court of Rivers State in a suit numbered IHC/246/CS/2026, presided over by Justice Sobere Biambo.
The claimants in the suit include Chief Green Amaewhule and others, while Fabulous Amaewhule and Odibola Properties are listed among the respondents.
Counsel to the Amaewhule family, Barr Ndubuisi Agumagu, advised prospective land buyers and members of the public to exercise caution and refrain from purchasing any portion of the disputed property pending the determination of the case by the court.
According to the legal counsel, the property is a family estate belonging collectively to the Amaewhule family, and no individual member of the family has the authority to unilaterally dispose of portions of the land.
The counsel specifically maintained that Fabulous Amaewhule, one of the respondents in the suit, does not have the legitimate authority, according to the family’s position before the court, to sell portions of the disputed property.
The family further warned that anyone who proceeds to purchase land from the respondents while the matter remains before the court would be doing so at their own risk.
It stressed that such buyers could potentially lose their investments should the court eventually deliver judgment against the validity of the transactions.
The legal team said the warning became necessary to prevent unsuspecting members of the public from committing their resources to a property whose ownership and right of disposition are currently the subject of judicial determination.
The family also urged prospective investors, developers and land buyers to conduct proper legal inquiries and obtain independent verification of the status of the property before committing funds to any transaction relating to it.
The Amaewhule family said its position was intended to protect members of the public from possible financial losses and further legal complications while the case remains sub judice, stressing that interested parties should await the final determination of the court.
Akujobi Amadi