Ogoni Dumps Rivers State

As MOSOP says it has endorsed formation of Ogoni political parties for internal Ogoni elections, Nigeria’s national assembly seats and the presidency.

The Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) has endorsed formation of Ogoni political parties.

In a New Year Message, MOSOP President/Spokesman, Dr. Goodluck Diigbo, said “after thorough review, I welcome the step, because I believe indigenous political parties will transform the political climate in Ogoni, and inspire true representatives to respect the people’s aspirations.”

“If the parties so desire, they forge pre-approved and incorruptible alliances with outside political parties and actors, within and outside Nigeria in accordance with Ogoni Bill of Rights and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.” Diigbo explained.

Invoking the United Nations Declaration Diigbo said the move “will enhance harmonious and cooperative relations between the State [Nigeria] and indigenous peoples [Ogonis], based on principles of justice, democracy, respect for human rights, non-discrimination and good faith.”

He said he was optimistic that true representatives of the Ogoni people from now on, will always win Nigeria’s national assembly seats and contest for the presidency, as long as, Ogoni still remains a part of Nigeria.

Diigbo declared: “Ogoni no longer has a stake in the corrupt, dirty, divide-and-rule Rivers State politics, as we continually nurture a transparent self-government.” On use of government forces and thugs in political elections, Diigbo said MOSOP remains nonviolent, but expects each Ogoni party to review situation, and hopes every citizen exercises the right of self-defence.

“I am very pleased the parties derived their political, economic, social aims and structures from Ogoni cultures, spiritual traditions, history and philosophies,” apart from internal sources, Diigbo said, “I hope outside funds can support promotion, development and enshrinement of indigenous democratic norms and practices.”

Three parties so far are:

1. Ogoni National Congress Party – ONCP, or Boganalo Yiibirai

2. Ogoni Democratic Alliance Party (ODAP), or Eedee Gbanialo Nornu

3. Ogoni Progressive Nationalists’ Party (OPNP) or Kiisi Lo Egara

Parties’ names are in Khana, one of five main Ogoni languages, and may differ in others.

The Ogoni Permanent Electoral Commission will receive constitutions and lists of leaders of the political parties in first quarter of 2014.

“I enjoin Ogoni political parties not to engage in corruption and work with all Ogonis as they enter New Year to avoid the missteps of the past that delayed freedom. We can’t accuse others of depriving Ogonis of their rights, while some Ogonis undermine Ogoni agenda, and engage in bloodshed, amputation, corrupt practices and outright oppression of fellow human beings,” Diigbo cautioned.

ENDS

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