The Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People (MOSOP) has rebuked purported discussions regarding oil exploration in Ogoniland, allegedly held with Nigerian President Bola Tinubu.
The organisation, in a press release, opposed any dialogue involving oil interests, stating that the Ogoni people have not sanctioned such talks.
MOSOP clarified that no official congress had convened to deliberate on the matter of oil exploration in Ogoni territory.
The statement noted that the individuals who participated in the meeting, claiming leadership roles within MOSOP and its affiliates, were disowned by the organisation’s recognised organs.
They reiterated the longstanding stance that Shell and other oil companies remained unwelcome in Ogoniland until the demands outlined in the Ogoni Bill of Rights (OBR) are met by the Nigerian Government.
Evang (Chief) Nyiedha Nledi Nasikpo, the General Secretary of MOSOP, urged President Tinubu to refrain from allowing his office to be exploited by what MOSOP termed as “merchants of crisis.”
The organisation warned against any actions that could incite turmoil in Ogoniland, reminiscent of past government-led assaults on Ogoni communities during the 1990s.
These attacks, according to MOSOP, were allegedly orchestrated to protect the interests of international oil companies, at the expense of the indigenous Ogoni people.
It was earlier reported that President Tinubu received members of the Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers of Ogoni, Rivers State, at the State House.
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