Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — The Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People, MOSOP, has expressed confidence that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will not trigger an oil-related crisis in Ogoniland to satisfy private interests pushing for the resumption of oil production in the region.
President of MOSOP, Fegalo Nsuke, speaking during a meeting with key stakeholders and kingdom coordinators of MOSOP in Bori, Rivers State, described the push for oil resumption as an “ambush” on the presidency and warned of dire consequences if the government yields.
Nsuke warned that any attempt to force oil production without proper engagement would provoke resistance and damage the federal government’s reputation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He said, “The recent move to force a restart of oil production in Ogoni is one of the most deceptive and fraudulent attempts by the oil industry in collaboration with some private interests to trample on our rights. I know that a resistance against that action is irresistible. However, I believe that Mr President will not listen to them and yield to the temptation of igniting a crisis in Ogoni or the Niger Delta region at this time.
“Firstly, a forceful resumption will come with reputational damage to the government, and Mr President will not risk such image corrosion. It will be better for them to let the sleeping dog lie than hurt the reputation of the government,” he stated.
He called on the Ogoni people to remain calm and not be provoked, assuring them that MOSOP was actively engaging for a peaceful resolution through dialogue.
“I will call for civic education in Ogoni kingdoms and chapters and urge all Ogoni people to remain calm in the face of the brazen threats and provocations to resume oil production in the land without proper engagement. You have gone through a lot. We are doing our best to achieve a resolution and hope that the government will accept our offer for dialogue.”
Nsuke stressed that resuming oil operations without MOSOP’s consent would trigger both domestic and international backlash.
“The latest attempt to resume oil production in Ogoni without considering the position of MOSOP on the matter is absolutely an ambush on Mr President. If he falls to it, he will have to contend with a global image crisis and a strong resistance on the home front,” he warned.
On the other hand, Nsuke said that accepting MOSOP’s olive branch would benefit both the country and the President.
“If he rejects them and heeds the advice of MOSOP, the Ogoni problem will be permanently resolved, he would have a boost to his reputation and a plus from the Niger Delta region and the international community.”
He concluded by urging the federal government to embrace dialogue and avoid actions that could destabilize the Niger Delta region.
