MOSOP decries increasing political violence in Ogoniland

THE Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People (MOSOP) has described as “most unnecessary and unfortunate” the increasing wave of politically motivated violence in Ogoniland, including the recent kidnap of a worker with the Rivers State Government House Press Unit, Mr. Freddie Ndigbara.

   In a statement, the Media and Public Affairs Advisor to MOSOP President, Bari-ara Kpalap, said this sustained tendency in no way helps to resolve the people’s peculiar, disadvantaged circumstance but paints Ogoni in bad light. 

   “On several occasions, MOSOP has advised our people against allowing Ogoni to be a theatre of violence, whether political or otherwise, as the implications and effects are borne by Ogoni and Ogoni alone,” the statement noted.

   The group called on Ndigbara’s abductors to unconditionally release him and also urged the police to investigate the incident with a view to bringing the culprits and their sponsors to justice. 

   It further claimed that some Ogoni indigenes were trying to link their President, Mr. Legborsi Saro Pyagbara, to a particular oil company’s bid to resume oil production in the land in order to bring the people’s wrath on him. He warned that if the development is not checked, it might worsen the already tense situation in the area.

   “We have uncovered a devious plot by some promoters of immediate oil production resumption in Ogoniland to raise yet another spurious allegation against the MOSOP President, Mr. Legborsi Saro Pyagbara, having failed in earlier attempts to implicate him in controversies surrounding minority clamour for oil exploitation commencement in the area and endorsement of Belema Oil,” he said.

   “Reports available to MOSOP have shown that they plan to forge the signature of the president of MOSOP and superimpose it on a fake document aiming to link him with supporting a particular company and pecuniary inducements from oil concerns and related sources and set him up for the people’s wrath.

   “Though we are not surprised at the plot, we note with dismay the desperation that has regrettably characterized their campaign for the endorsement of Belema Oil and commencement of oil production in the area. 

   “As it stands, we would not be surprised if the situation degenerates past the present tendency, in view of the claim by some of the actors that the MOSOP president was blocking their opportunity to become multi-billionaires.”

 According to the statement, “it is saddening that these characters seem not bothered about the peculiar circumstance of the Ogoni people but their parochial interests only.

   “However, since the stance of MOSOP and its president promotes and protects the interest of the community, no degree of evil machinations would sway our genuine efforts for a better Ogoni.”

   Nevertheless, he warned those involved to desist from carrying out the plot as they would be held responsible for whatever happens.