Threat to Ogoni People Will Be Legitimately Resisted - MOSOP

The Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People, MOSOP, says any attempt to commence oil production in the Ogoni Nation will be unacceptable and legitimately resisted to protect the indigenous rights of the people of Ogoni.

MOSOP attention has been drawn to a provocative unverified online
publication by Afripol.org suggesting that the re-entry plan was at an advanced stage to recommence oil production in Ogoniland. The Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs at the NNPC, Dr. Levi Ajuonuma, is quoted as confirming in a telephone chat Sunday that the re-entry plan was on course.

Reacting to the report, MOSOP President/Spokesman, Dr. Goodluck Diigbo described the suggestion that Nigeria will soon restart production in Ogoni as part of a strategy to distract the Ogonis from the failed UNEP Ogoniland Assessment Report. Diigbo said that in spite of the seeming absence of oil operations the devastating impacts of oil damages so far remain excessively pervasive. It is most unfortunate and unthinkable to bring this up now, when governments that adopt such strategy of criminal impunity are faced with multiple problems around the world.

Dr. Diigbo said the Ogoni people will not be discouraged by insensitive and ill-advised public office holders in Nigeria who tend to think that our nonviolent struggle is a sign of weakness. “I simply think that what is happening now is also an attempt to push us to the wall. The South Africans were pushed to the wall, and the sound of the music changed. As the Ogoni people, we are fully aware that we are not afraid and we are not a weak people; if we were, we wouldn’t have stood up when Nigeria was virtually a graveyard under military dictatorship.”

Dr. Diigbo cautioned the Ogoni people to stop making individual or group threats on the internet, but take part in the collective decision-making process through their membership affiliates. Diigbo directed all MOSOP affiliates to meet within 48 hours to deliberate on the threat to Ogoni, but said Ogonis must continue to pay attention to the UNEP Ogoniland Assessment Report. The MOSOP General Assembly will be held within 72 hours.

ENDS

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