Fresh crisis looms in Ogoni over exclusion of MOSOP in talks for resumption of oil production  

Fresh crisis is brewery in Ogoni Kingdom in Niger Delta over the alleged exclusion of the movement for the survival of Ogoni people, MOSOP, from the ongoing consultations by the federal government’s constituted 4-man consultation team. Painting a scary picture of what be befall the oil-rich kingdom, the President of MOSOP, Fegalo Nsuke, appealed to the people to uphold peace and avoid actions that could lead to a repeat of the crisis that erupted in Ogoni in the 1990s. Nsuke said that despite the dissatisfaction of the people over the direction of oil resumption talks, it is their duty to uphold the peace, assuring that the issues surrounding oil production resumption will be sorted out to benefit the people and the Federal Government.
Addressing a gathering of kingdom coordinators of MOSOP at the National Secretariat of MOSOP in Bori, Khana Local Government Area, Nsuke expressed worries over the “current approach of the Federal Government to extract oil from Ogoni without the input of MOSOP”. The president of MOSOP said that the current approach runs contrary to the intentions of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who had directed a robust and inclusive engagement of all critical stakeholders in the process. “Desperation and greed have driven some people against the struggle and they have started chasing what will fill their individual pockets.” Nsuke urged the grassroots coordinators to all stand for the truth, and accused the team which recently visited President Tinubu of attempting to mislead the president.
He said that the entire process is choreographed to achieve a predetermined goal while giving the impression that discussion is ongoing.
 “The president, Bola Tinubu, said they should talk to everyone. They are not doing so. Rather, they are trying to manipulate the process to achieve their selfish goals. They love crises, but we want development in our land. And we strongly believe that a democrat like the President will not allow another era of Ogoni killings. Do not take the laws into your hands. Our struggle is a peaceful one and we are only asking for fair treatment for the Ogoni people. Remain firm and make your voice heard.” He accused the drivers of the process of “showing disrespect for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who had instructed that discussions on oil resumption should be inclusive and accommodate the views of all critical stakeholders.”
 Nsuke said that MOSOP, which championed the Ogoni cause and edged Shell out of Ogoni cannot be excluded from oil resumption discussion. “The Ogoni oil would not have been available for grabs if not for the struggles of MOSOP. The whole of Ogoni cannot fight for the oil and some few individuals will take the wealth. That is not acceptable. MOSOP fought for a better future for the Ogoni and MOSOP’s decision is critical in charting the way forward” he said. Anyone seeking to exclude MOSOP from oil production discussions is already creating a situation of distrust and MOSOP urges President Tinubu to intervene in the matter to restore trust and decency.”