News

Call Wike To Order, MOSOP-USA Tells Tinubu …Gives Conditions For Resumption Of Oil Production In Ogoni

Published

2 years ago

May 17, 2024

The Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People, United States chapter, (MOSOP-USA) has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to control the excesses of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, whose activities have allegedly stiffened and threatened the President’s government.
MOSOP USA, in a statement by his President, DineBari Augustine Kpuinen, also wanted the President to “investigate the $300 million belonging to the Ogoni people paid by the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPC) as compensation, allegedly embezzled by Wike.
“MOSOP USA needs peace in Rivers State. We need Nyesom Wike to stop terrorising the sitting Governor, Sim Fubara. We call on the President to prevail on Nyesom Wike to allow the sitting governor to manage the affairs of Rivers State in peace, just as he was allowed to govern when he was governor and prepare to pay the Ogoni people money meant for the development he embezzled.”
The group also chastised some Ogonis who it described as “greedy, self-centered Ogoni indigents, government agents, and saboteurs, who have consistently undermined Ogoni efforts to be self-governed within the Nigerian state.”
According to Kpuinen, “There is confirmed information reaching MOSOP-USA that some greedy, self-centered Ogoni indigents, government agents, and saboteurs, who have consistently undermined Ogoni efforts to be self-governed within the Nigerian state, have gone to Abuja to meet with President Bola Tinubu to negotiate oil resumption in Ogoni.”
The statement, therefore, called on Tinubu to heed the four conditions the group has set for the resumption of oil production in Ogoniland.
“These are not arbitrary demands but crucial prerequisites that must be met before such operations commence”, it said.
The group’s demands include granting Ogoni a state in the country, cleaning up of Ogoni environment, exoneration and immortalisation of the Ogoni Nine that were executed by the Sani Abacha military junta in the 1990s, and rehabilitation and payment of compensation to the Ogonis for the atrocities meted out to them by the Abacha government.
According to MOSOP-USA, “Our ultimate goal is for Ogoni to be granted a State to be self-governed within the Federal Republic of Nigeria, similar to other ethnic nationalities. This would ensure Ogoni has a say in national budgets, as our resources are being misused. It is a step towards Ogoni controlling their political affairs, having equal representation, and using a good proportion of their resources for their development. The right to protect their boundaries and environment against further degradation, forceful encroachment, domination, and annihilation.”
It also noted that cleanup Ogoni environment would provide five basic essentials
“Clean up the previous contaminants and ensure the environment is safe for oil production; gives its citizens the five essential government obligations to guarantee that Ogoni is part of Nigeria: good roads, clean water, electricity, equipped medical facilities, and security”, it said.
The group demanded for the exoneration and immortalisation of the Ogoni Nine.
“The exoneration and immortalization of the Ogoni Nine (9), which includes Gbenemene Suanu I of the Ogoni Nation, Kenule Beson Saro-Wiwa, Comr. John Barinaaziga Kpuinen, Dr. Barinem Kiobel, Paul Levura, Baribor Bera, Daniel Gbokoo, Saturday Dobee, Felix Nuate and Nordu Eawo is not negotiable. We urge the government and people of Nigeria to straighten their records. These men remain innocent of the charges against them that led to their brutal death. MOSOP-USA demands that these men be exonerated. In honour of their memories, November 10 should be declared an Environmental or Civil rights national holiday in Nigeria.”, MOSOP-USA said.
The statement further demanded that compensation be paid to the Ogoni people “for all the atrocities meted against them by the Abacha administration.
“We call on the President to call back the citizens of the 16 communities that the Abacha administration sacked and flattened in both Oyigbo and Tai LGAs; rehabilitate and pay compensation to those who have been internally homeless and hopeless refugees. Also, pay compensation for the 4,000 Ogoni people who were massacred in cold blood by the Rivers State Internal Task Force created by Abacha while Major Paul Okuntimo executed the federal order to make Ogoni a wasteland. Those are what it takes for resumption in Ogoni.”
MOSOP-USA also called on Tinubu to stay true to democracy, recalling that before the President assumed office on May 29, last year, “he was protesting against bad governance and campaigning for true democracy as an activist with members of MOSOP-USA in the United States of America concerning the injustice and genocidal actions meted out against the people of Ogoni in Nigeria.
“MOSOP USA, therefore, demands that the President, Ahmed Bola Tinubu, should act within the ambit of the law and stay true to the cause of democracy/activism that we knew him for to provide good governance and justice to the people of Ogoni and Nigeria at large.”
On the issue of political autonomy for Ogoni and other ethnic nationalities in the country, the group said that “granting politically autonomous states is the only solution to Nigeria’s multiple problems and the only thing that will keep it together as one nation. Nigeria operates on injustice; its leaders are so deep in greediness that they oppress and victimize the poor. Greed and corruption have made Nigeria ungovernable. The rule of law has no bearing on the people. Politicians are now above the law. Truth has been buried; eventually, every ethnicity is now raising their heads, crying for justice, seeking survival like the Ogoni people. This nation shall soon collapse, except its leaders listen to the voice of wisdom.”
The group also appealed to President Tinubu to give Ogoni a College of Applied Technology.
“Finally, Ogoni needs well-equipped Federal Colleges of Applied Technology (FCAT), where the children will acquire skills and trade to meet the employment demands of the 21st century. We therefore inform the president that this FCAT will solve the problem of Ogoni underemployment as they have the most unemployed youths in Nigeria.
“Having the youth acquire basic trades and skills will help them create jobs for themselves and others, gradually eliminating unemployment and boosting the nation’s economy. We advise Mr. President to consider rebuilding the nation by providing skills and trades to the youths.”

News

Cleric Predicts Breakthrough, Warns of Political and Security Challenges in 2026

Published

3 days ago

January 12, 2026

The Tide

The Founder and Senior Pastor of Liberty Hour Ministry, Port Harcourt, Apostle Chikadibia John Wodo, has expressed optimism that 2026 will usher in uncommon breakthroughs and good fortune for Nigeria, particularly in the areas of political, economic, and spiritual development, with Rivers State playing a key role.

Apostle Wodo made this declaration in his special New Year message, where he stated that individuals and forces standing as obstacles to the manifestation of God’s will in the new year would face bitter consequences. He cautioned that corrupt political leaders risk backlash from the very people they govern if they fail to change their ways.

The cleric warned against the escalation of political tension in Rivers State and called on residents and religious leaders to intensify prayers for lasting peace. He also urged Governor Siminalayi Fubara to remain resolute in leadership, reminding him to uphold his vows to God by continually seeking divine guidance in decision-making and governance amid evolving challenges.

Assessing the broader national situation, Apostle Wodo called on Nigerian leaders to repent and govern with a heightened sense of responsibility, noting that the cries and supplications of the masses have drawn divine attention. He further warned of alleged plots to disrupt a smooth democratic transition in 2027 and appealed for prayers to avert such an agenda.

According to him, Nigerians are yearning for genuine socio-economic transformation and freedom from political oppression. He challenged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to redeem its credibility by ensuring free, fair, and credible elections devoid of undue political interference.

The cleric also predicted that insecurity could worsen in the coming year and warned of the possible emergence of a strange ailment, stressing that Nigeria’s political challenges can only be resolved through equity, fairness, and justice, especially in the treatment of minorities, the vulnerable, and the disadvantaged.

Apostle Wodo further claimed that some clerics and General Overseers have compromised their faith and incurred divine displeasure, calling for sincere repentance to restore their relationship with God. He also advised early preparedness to mitigate natural disasters such as fire outbreaks and flooding, particularly in rural communities.

He concluded by urging Nigerians to remain prayerful, vigilant, and united as the nation navigates the opportunities and challenges of 2026.

News

Ado Royal Family Disowns Alleged Installation of Amanyanabo of Okrika

Published

3 days ago

January 12, 2026

The Tide

The Ado Royal Family of Okrika has firmly disassociated itself from the alleged self-enthronement of Hon. Godknows Tam George as the Amanyanabo of Okrika and Clan Head, describing the action as unlawful, illegitimate, and a threat to the peace of the ancient kingdom.

The family, which described itself as the sole legitimate custodian of the history, traditions, and stool of the Amanyanabo of Okrika, stated that it has not installed any king and has not commenced the formal process for such installation.

This position was contained in a statement jointly signed by Prof. Sotonye Fyneface-Ogan (Ogan Ado Royal House), Alabo Engr. Henry Semenitari Abam (Abam Ado Royal House), and Alabo Prince Oriyeorikabo Fibika (Fibika Ado Royal House). The statement was presented to journalists on Friday at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre, Moscow Road, Port Harcourt.

According to the statement, the purported action by Hon. Tam George amounts to “a blatant assault on the collective integrity of the Okrika people” and constitutes “a criminal act of impersonation with the potential to destabilize the peace and socio-political fabric of our ancient kingdom.”

The family stressed that Hon. Tam George was never presented as a candidate by the Ado Royal Family and did not undergo any of the mandatory rites, consultations, or confirmations required by Okrika customs.

“The Ado Royal Family has never presented him as a candidate, nor has he undergone any of the prerequisite rites, consultations, or confirmations. His actions are those of a lone interloper, operating in a vacuum of legitimacy,” the statement read.

It further emphasized that the stool of the Amanyanabo of Okrika and Clan Head is a sacred institution rooted in centuries-old traditions and spiritual heritage, not something to be claimed through academic qualifications, political ambition, or personal interest.

Speaking during the briefing, Prof. Sotonye Fyneface-Ogan reiterated that the process of crowning an Amanyanabo is clearly defined and has not yet begun.

“To crown a king, there is a process, and those processes have not taken place,” he said. “We are the chiefs; we are the ones that will be part of the selection. Honestly, we have not started the selection process; we have only begun discussions.”

He explained that during the proper selection process, chiefs supervise nominations from each constituent house, with each house expected to nominate two or three candidates—steps which, he noted, have not been carried out.

“I want to assure the public that none of the Ado family chiefs has given Hon. Tam George any sign of approval,” Prof. Fyneface-Ogan added.

Efforts to obtain the reaction of Hon. Godknows Tam George proved unsuccessful. Repeated attempts through phone calls, text messages, and WhatsApp messages were unsuccessful, as he did not respond as of the time of filing this report.

By: Tonye Orabere

News

PH Traders Laud RSG’s Fire Safety Sensitisation Campaign

Published

3 days ago

January 12, 2026

The Tide

Traders in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, have commended the Rivers State Government (RSG) for its ongoing fire emergency and safety sensitisation campaign across major markets in the state.

Speaking on behalf of traders at Nowa Market, Borikiri Old Port Harcourt Township, the market chairman, Mr. Innocent Chukwuma, praised Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara for initiating the awareness programme in designated markets and public places.

Chukwuma described the exercise as timely and impactful, noting that it was the first time the Rivers State Government had carried out such a campaign in Nowa Market. According to him, the sensitisation would educate traders on fire emergencies and the necessary precautions to prevent outbreaks.

He urged traders to strictly apply the safety measures taught during the campaign, both during business hours and after closing their shops.

“I want to thank the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Ministry of Special Duties for coming to our aid, especially during this dry season,” Chukwuma said.

“This is the first time we are seeing government presence in our market in this manner. We lack words to thank our God-sent governor, particularly for providing us with fire extinguishers and other firefighting equipment.

“We will do exactly what we have been taught today to ensure there is no fire incident in our market. We will always switch off all electrical appliances before closing for the day,” he added.

Similarly, the Chairman of Mile 3 USTRE Modern Market, Mr. Gift Nkesi Benjamin, applauded the state government for the distribution of fire extinguishers and other fire safety equipment.

“We will adhere strictly to the safety guidelines and instructions given to us today to ensure there is no fire outbreak in our market,” Benjamin stated.

“On behalf of Mile 3 USTRE Modern Market, I sincerely thank the Rivers State Government and the Ministry of Special Duties for bringing this important campaign to our market.”

At Rumuwoji Market (popularly known as Mile 1 Market), the Chairman, Chief Hon. Godpower O. Wobo, also expressed gratitude to the state government for the sensitisation exercise. He assured that traders would comply fully with government directives to prevent future fire incidents.

Responding on behalf of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Special Duties, Mr. Sokari D. P. George, thanked the traders for their cooperation and warm reception.

He emphasised that safety remains paramount, especially during the dry season, and urged traders to be cautious in their daily activities.

Mr. George disclosed that the theme of the 2025 fire safety campaign is “Controlled Fire Is a Friend, Uncontrolled Fire Is an Enemy.”

He cautioned against refuse and bush burning around buildings and warned traders not to store fuel in unauthorized places such as homes, offices, markets, or public buildings.

“Follow all fire safety guidelines and instructions,” he urged.

The permanent secretary also noted that Governor Fubara prefers a zero-fireworks approach during festive periods to ensure public safety, stressing that the government has invested heavily in markets and expects traders to take responsibility for protecting them.

By: Kiadum Edookor