Ogoni cleanup: MOSOP alleges $1b theft, demands termination of HYPREP contracts 

Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People in the United States of America (MOSOP-USA) has petitioned the Minister of Environment, Mohammed Abdullahi, demanding termination of all Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) contracts on Ogoni cleanup.

The group, in a petition signed by the President, Public Relations Officer and Secretary, Augustine Kpuinen, Samuel Nweemee, and Keesiiop Kpooni, respectively, alleged that there has been massive looting of HYPREP funds to the tune of $1 billion, saying that it necessitated their petition for the immediate termination of contracts.

The group also noted that they have uncovered plans by the management of HYPREP to give out phantom projects just a few months before the winding down of the Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government.

Kpuinen said: “Less than three months to the expiration of the current administration, credible sources reveal to us that the current HYPREP board, with the active connivance of some political gladiators and gullible Ogoni stakeholders, is in a frenzy busy awarding phantom contracts running into billions of naira to themselves, cronies, hangers-on, and political associates, by either bypassing due process or fast-tracking the awards through the Bureau for Public Procurement (BPP).”

Kpuinen also noted that the letter intended to clearly inform the minister and HYPREP board that there must be an immediate termination of the “phantom contracts” and no bills or payments be made to that effect. 

The statement reads: “It has come to the attention of MOSOP-USA that your deed on the awards of phantom contracts in connivance with the HYPREP board to some few individuals from within and outside Ogoni, which they intend to embezzle due to their selfish and self-centred interest and their cronies. MOSOP-USA is truly in possession of some very credible evidence, including court injunctions confirming that the present HYPREP Board has perfected strategies to loot and empty the account of the agency before the expiration of the tenure of the present administration on 29th May 2023.”

The group warned that it would institute a legal suit against the minister and HYPREP Board at the international court if nothing is done to stop the alleged move to further loot the treasury of the interventionist agency.

“If further action other than what we have requested occurs, then there will be a court suit against you in the Nigeria Court of Justice, including the International Court of Justice. ”

“This is not a threat, but a promise and an action that has already been established awaiting your reaction to the effect. There is no time to further play on any Ogoni properties.”