MOSOP rejects OML 11 deal, seeks presidential fiat for resolution

(FILES) This hand-out photograph released on October 13, 2004 by the ethnic pressure group the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People, shows the aftermath of an oil pipeline leak and subsequent fire in the southern Nigerian village of Goi, in the Niger delta region. – Oil giant Shell has agreed to pay around 95 million euros to communities in southern Nigeria over crude spills in 1970, the company and the community’s lawyer said on Wednesday. (Photo by STR / Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People / AFP) / —–EDITORS NOTE — RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE – MANDATORY CREDIT “AFP PHOTO / Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People ” – NO MARKETING – NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS – DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS – NO ARCHIVES

The Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) has rejected the deal between the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Sahara Energy, and West African Gas Limited (WAGL) over OML 11, and called for Presidential Fiat to resolve the ongoing issue.

The association also explained that the said deal has raised ethical questions over a Financial and Technical Services Agreement (FTSA), saying the agreement was not done in good faith, was not in the interest of the Nigerian people, and did not follow due process.

MOSOP President, Fegalo Nsuke, made this known to journalists in Abuja, describing the Sahara-WAGL deal as fraudulent, deceptive, and an insult to the intelligence and integrity of the Ogoni people and the Nigerian nation.
Nsuke called on President Bola Tinubu to cancel the FTSA between the duo, as the agreement is fraught with irregularities, adding, “What they did between Sahara and WAGL is shameful and depicts a high level of corruption in the public service of our country.”

He declared, “Sahara Energy is certainly not a company the Ogoni people want on their soil, and we are calling on Mr. President to terminate any deal between the NNPCL and Sahara Energy over OML 11, and allow for an inclusive arrangement for the fair treatment of the Ogoni people.

“Our last Ogoni Congress has been unequivocal on the demand for justice, and it has given a clear path to resolve the three-decade-old conflict between all critical parties. It will be good to explore this for the peace and development of Ogoni and our country.”

He therefore accused Sahara Energy and the NNPCL of frustrating the progress made by MOSOP to achieve a permanent solution to the Ogoni problem, calling for presidential intervention with consideration for fair treatment in order to permanently address the issues.

“We want equitable distribution of revenues from natural resources extracted from our soil. How then can Sahara go into an agreement with its own affiliate? It’s as good as going into an agreement with itself. This is fraudulent,” Nsuke added.

He, however, noted that Sahara Energy should give up on the Ogoni area to allow for engagement in the interest of the country and the people, describing the whole pact as an unholy relationship between Sahara Energy and the NNPCL over OML 11.