The Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) has rejected the ongoing peace talks spearheaded by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), labeling the process as “dishonest” and exclusionary. The group is demanding that at least 20% of profits from any extractive activities in the Ogoni region be dedicated to its infrastructural development.
At a press briefing held over the weekend in Beera, Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State, Celestine Viura, leader of the Forum of Kingdom Coordinators and Chapter Leaders of MOSOP (FKCCL MOSOP), voiced strong opposition to the talks aimed at resuming oil production in the region. He criticized the federal government’s approach, citing the absence of MOSOP’s leadership from the discussions.
“We want to register our strong disapproval of the ongoing talks led by ONSA. The entire exercise is dishonest, as it excludes MOSOP—the authentic voice of the Ogoni people,” Viura stated. “This is nothing more than an attempt to manipulate public perception and suggest that the Ogoni people have neither defined their demands nor understand what they want.”
Viura called for the full operationalization of the proposed Ogoni Development Authority (ODA) and demanded that 20% of all extractive revenue from any oil operator in Ogoni be set aside for the region’s development. He said the ODA represents a clear and widely accepted pathway for resolving the long-standing Ogoni crisis.
“The FKCCL MOSOP endorses the ODA as a permanent solution aligned with the Ogoni Bill of Rights. This proposal has overwhelming support from the Ogoni people, as reaffirmed during the Ogoni National Congress held on November 30, 2024,” he said.
Viura also demanded accountability for historical injustices against the Ogoni people, including a call for an investigation into the controversial murders of four prominent Ogoni leaders on May 21, 1994: Chief Edward Kobani, Chief Samuel Orage, Mr. Albert Badey, and Chief Theophilus Orage. He further insisted on the decriminalization of the “Ogoni Nine,” who were executed by the military regime of General Sani Abacha on November 10, 1995.
“We strongly reject all forms of abuse, use of state force, and manipulative tactics aimed at forcing oil resumption in Ogoni. ONSA’s current actions risk reigniting conflict in the region,” he warned.
MOSOP urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to halt all moves toward oil extraction in Ogoni until the people’s core demands especially those outlined in the ODA are genuinely addressed.
“We ask for fairness and justice in the search for a peaceful resolution. With over 4,000 lives lost in the Ogoni struggle, it is unjust for the government to consider oil production resumption amid widespread dissent and without regard for the people’s safety and development demands,” Viura stated.
He concluded with a call for transparent and honest engagement with MOSOP, expressing the group’s willingness to support any peace initiative that truly reflects the interests and aspirations of the Ogoni people.
