Ogoni Environment Unsuitable For Resumption Of Oil Production — MOSOP-USA

The Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People in the United States of America (MOSOP-USA) has stated that it opposes the federal government’s plan to resume oil production in Ogoniland, as it believes the environment is not yet suitable for such activity.

MOSOP-USA stated that the environment requires a thorough cleanup, as outlined in the 2011 report of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), to ensure the safety of people and the environment, and to prepare for oil production.

MOSOP-USA, in a communique signed by its President, Elder DineBari Augustine Kpuinen and made available to LEADERSHIP in Port Harcourt, called for the approval and incorporation of the Ogoni Bill of Rights into the Nigerian Constitution.

“MOSOP-USA states that the environment is still not suitable for oil production. We need a thorough cleanup as outlined in the UNEP Report of 2011, followed by a certification from the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) confirming the safety of people and the environment, and readiness for oil production.

“The Ogoni Bill of Rights should be approved and incorporated into the Nigerian constitution to secure the interests of the Ogoni people,” the statement said.

The organisation further stated that the Ogoni ethnic nationality was long overdue for the creation of its own State, insisting that their demand for a separate state was non-negotiable.

“It is essential to recognise that Ogoni is long overdue for the creation of its own state. This remains a non-negotiable requirement for oil activities in Ogoni. In a true democracy or federal system, all ethnic groups should be treated fairly and equally, regardless of their size or population.

“The national revenue and budget are divided among states, with eleven shares allocated to the Hausa-Fulani, seven to the Yoruba, five to the Igbo, and so on.

“Meanwhile, the Ogoni people, who produce valuable resources, are forcibly grouped with sixteen other ethnic groups to share a single portion. This is unjust. Ogoni demands a politically autonomous state in Nigeria if we are still regarded as part of the nation,” the organisation said.