Precious Anga
Lagos — The Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) has declared that crude oil production cannot return to Ogoniland until the Federal Government addresses longstanding concerns over political exclusion, marginalisation and justice for the Ogoni people.
The position emerged from the Ogoni National Congress held in Bori, Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State, where community leaders, traditional rulers, youth groups, women organisations and civil society stakeholders reviewed ongoing engagements between the Federal Government and Ogoni communities.
In a communiqué read by former MOSOP President, Legborsi Pyagbara, delegates welcomed the Federal Government’s decision to engage Ogoni stakeholders but cautioned against narrowing discussions solely to the resumption of oil production.
According to the congress, the Ogoni struggle extends beyond environmental remediation and includes demands for political inclusion, equitable representation and greater participation in national decision-making.
“While Congress appreciates and reaffirms its support for dialogue, it regrets that the Federal Government’s efforts so far appear focused only on oil resumption without deliberate attempts to address the core issues involved in the Ogoni crisis, including political inclusion.”
The communiqué, signed by prominent Ogoni leaders including Prof. Andah Wai Ogosu, Chief Prince Biira, Keeper Gbaranor and Dr. Gbenemene Kpae, stressed that any attempt to restart oil operations without resolving these concerns would be unacceptable to the people.
The congress argued that decades of perceived exclusion from key political opportunities have deepened grievances within Ogoniland and must be addressed as part of any lasting solution.
As part of its resolutions, MOSOP urged Ogoni voters to support only political parties and candidates committed to advancing the political interests of the ethnic nationality, particularly in relation to governorship aspirations and major party leadership positions.
The organisation maintained that political recognition and inclusion are inseparable from discussions on the future of oil exploration in the area.
The congress also expressed concern over growing security challenges in Ogoni communities, including alleged attacks linked to herders. It called for stronger measures to protect lives and property and warned against further violence in the area.
MOSOP insisted that the Federal Government must treat issues of political justice, security and historical grievances as central elements of its engagement with Ogoniland.
The group maintained that until those concerns are meaningfully addressed, efforts to resume crude oil production in the area are unlikely to secure the support of the Ogoni people.
