… Says Ogoni has been Shell’s victim for 65 years
Mkpoikana Udoma Port Harcourt — The Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People, MOSOP, says the people of Ogoni have in the past 65 years been victims of environmental exploitation and devastation by Shell, which have led to a catastrophic economic consequences on the people.
To this end, the people have called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take urgent steps in helping them recover from years of neglect, underdevelopment and degenerated economic situation which was posing a security challenge.
President of MOSOP, Mr Fegalo Nsuke, during an interactive session with Ogoni youths, urged President Tinubu to approve MOSOP’s development proposal which, he said, was a win-win as it will increase revenue for the government and the oil companies, and create jobs, stability and greater happiness for the Ogoni and Nigeria.
Nsuke said the proposal called for the operation of an Ogoni development plan as an acceptable pathway to resolve all issues of dispute between the Ogoni people, the government and the oil industry, as well as the establishment of Ogoni Development Authority, ODA.
“In 65 years, we have been victims of oil industry exploitation led by Shell and the consequences had been economically and environmentally catastrophic.
“But we cannot remain there, we must move forward to pursue a new and positive cause and that is where the Ogoni Development plan comes in. ODA will not only address the environmental and economic challenges we face today, it is a guarantee for a secure future and it will be beneficial to all including the government and the oil industry itself.
“As Nigeria strives for greater prominence on the global stage, the country needs to embrace the dialogue offered by MOSOP in the drive for a solution to the Ogoni problem because the country cannot run away from the stains on its image occasioned by the brutal repression of the Ogoni people,” he said.
The MOSOP leader noted that Ogoni was at high risk of extreme social disorder which could escalate with severe consequences if the current unemployment levels are not tackled, urging the government to cooperate with MOSOP’s efforts to address the situation and reverse the trend for the good of everyone.
According to him, the living conditions in Ogoni were depreciating daily with lack of electricity, joblessness, a high rate of small business closures, urging the government not to be silent when there were options to addressing the problems.
“The living conditions in Ogoni are extremely poor. People live without electricity, no jobs, no income, the land is poisoned so agricultural yield can no longer support families and there is clearly the need for immediate intervention. The government needs to act and not be silent because we have options to address the problems.
“We will urge president Tinubu to passionately consider our development proposals so we can activate a development process to drive a development process by igniting economic activities and attracting investments into the area to immediately address critical social problems. There is an emergency situation before us and we should not underestimate the risks,” he stataed.
