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MOSOP Stronger, More United, 25 Years After-Piagbara
The Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) has dismissed views that the body found in 1990 is now divided and has lost focus of its founding principles.
The body will clock 25 years this year, and is poised to commemorate the death of the Ogoni 13, including environmental activist and writer, Kenule Saro-Wiwa, according to MOSOP President, Legborsi Piagbara, in phone-in programme organised by Silverbird Communications at the weekend in Port Harcourt.
Piagbara also stated that the umbrella body of all Ogoni people worldwide has continued to sustain its international and local advocacy for a better environment and deal for the people of Ogoniland.
In his words, “MOSOP is the only group in Nigeria that has sustained its non-violent agitation for 25 years. Even though there have been disagreements, yet, the Ogoni people have not disagreed on the principles of the struggle.”
One of its major achievements, he submitted, is the recent approval of the implementation of the UNEP Report by President Muhammadu Buhari, adding that,”what is holding us now has been the announcement on the composition of the different institutions and the gazette to guide the whole process.”
Once that is done, according to Piagbara, a governing council for the implementation of the report will be appointed, and the recruitment of people who will design the framework will commence.
On his part, an Ogoni activist, Celestine Akpobari, maintained that the Ogonis will not relent in demanding for their rights, while lamenting the plight of those who fled the country during the crisis in 1994, and have not been pardoned by government to return home.
On the state of the clean-up of the environment, Akpobari stated that there have been constant engagements from the past administration to the present one, but said the elections set the implementation back, as he lauded President Buhari for agreeing to implement the report on assuming office.
He also disagreed that the Ogonis are no longer united in the agitation, adding that “when it comes to the Ogoni struggle, we all forget about our various affiliations and join forces.”
Meanwhile, activities to mark the 25th anniversary of the body and hanging of Kenule Saro-Wiwa commenced last weekend with the Ogoni National Congress, a thanksgiving service, and will be capped with an Ogoni Day celebrations next January.
According to the programme of events, a candle light procession and justice walk is slated for today.
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The Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has directed his lawyers to withdraw all ongoing defamation lawsuits against several individuals, saying he was moved by counsel during a New Year Mass.
Speaking at the Sacred Heart Parish in Uyo, yesterday, Akpabio said he had filed nearly nine lawsuits against individuals he accused of defaming him.
He said, “I had almost nine cases in court against some individuals who defamed me, who lied against me, who slandered my name.
“But I listened to the priest and suddenly realised he was talking to me, so I hereby direct my solicitor to withdraw all lawsuits against them.”
In 2025, Akpabio had filed several high-profile defamation lawsuits, including one against colleague Senator Natasha Akpoti?Uduaghan.
In late 2025, Akpabio filed a N200 billion defamation lawsuit against her over allegations of sexual harassment, which he denied and urged her to substantiate in court.
Earlier in the year, Akpabio’s wife also filed defamation suits against Akpoti?Uduaghan over claims she said had harmed her family’s reputation.
Relations between the two lawmakers soured after Akpoti?Uduaghan accused Akpabio of influencing her suspension from the Senate in March 2025, following her public allegations of misconduct.
The Senator had previously challenged actions taken against her in court, including a N100 billion defamation suit she filed against Akpabio and other defendants over alleged remarks that she said damaged her reputation.
With yesterday’s announcement, Akpabio has formally ended all pending legal disputes arising from defamation claims, signalling closure to the publicised litigations as the year begins.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that the best form of gratitude Rivers people owe President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for protecting the interest of the State is to galvanize massive support for the President in 2027.
Fubara disclosed this last Monday during the commissioning of Permanent Secretaries Quarters built by his administration at Elimgbu in Obio Akpor Local Government Area of the State.
He said that the State has what it takes to deliver the President during the 2027 general elections.
“We’ve taken a decision,our decision is for the good of Rivers State, our decision is to say thank you for the protection we have from Mr President, our decision is to prove that we have what it takes to deliver Mr President.”
Fubara expressed delight over the completion of the project, stating that the initiative was to provide accommodation, a basic need of life for public servants in the state to improve their productivity.
He explained that lack of effective social welfare was at the root of some incriminating actions that undermine the purpose of governance, noting that the commissioning of the newly built Permanent Secretaries Quarters marks a significant milestone in civil service welfare and institutional development.
“Insecurity begins when individuals are uncertain of what the next hour holds. This situation is especially challenging for family men and women, affecting confidence and decision-making,” he observed.
Fubara emphasized the need for proper maintenance of the facility and urged the beneficiaries to protect the project like a personal property, while directing the State Head of Service to appoint a facility manager to ensure long-term maintenance.
In her remarks, the Special Guest of Honour and Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, who unveiled the project, expressed appreciation to the governor and Rivers State for inviting her to commission the project.
She commended Fubara for prioritizing the welfare of Permanent Secretaries who are senior public servants and accounting officers, noting that the project reflects purposeful and visionary leadership, and urged other states to borrow a cue from the Rivers State Governor.
Walson-Jack described the initiative as a strategic investment in staff welfare and institutional continuity which she noted is in line with Renewed Hope Initiative on provision of mass housing and social stability.
“The commissioning of these houses reflect a deliberate commitment to the dignity, welfare, and productivity of senior public servants responsible for policy coordination and service delivery,” she said.
In his goodwill message, the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibode Bashiru, who led a high powered delegation on a visit to the governor, congratulated Rivers people for aligning with the Pan Nigerian political party, assuring that the interest of Rivers State will be duly protected in the APC.
He described President Bola Tinubu as a detribalised Nigerian who anchors his leadership on equity, fairness and justice, adding that the APC will provide a level playing ground for all.
The APC chief scribe also commended Fubara for providing good accommodation for public servants, stating that it will address issues of sabotage, compromise and disloyalty on the part of public servants.
Giving the project description, Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Works, Dr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart, said the estate comprises 29 units, including nine standalone duplexes and 20 terrace buildings.
Facilities feature a water treatment plant, synchronized power generators, CCTV and alarm systems, a gym, recreational areas, and green spaces—designed to enhance comfort, performance, and productivity.
Earlier, the Head of the Rivers State Civil Service, Dr Mrs Inyingi Brown, had thanked the governor for his visionary initiative and unwavering commitment to the welfare of Rivers State Civil Servants, and restated the commitment of the State civil servants to the success of Fubara’s administration.
By: Taneh Beemene