Jun 05, 2008

Ogoni: MOSOP Applauds Federal Government Decision


Active ImageIn a press statement released by the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) it urges the Nigerian government for a consultative role in future negotiation with oil companies.

Below is the statement issued by the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People on 5 June 2008:

 

MOSOP PRESS STATEMENT ON FEDERAL GOVERNMENT’S DECISION ON SHELL ACTIVITIES IN OGONI

 

The Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) has today commended the Federal Government’s decision to appoint another operator in place of Shell for the Ogoni area, describing it as a bold step that stands the brightest chance of quickening the resumption of oil activities in Ogoni. 

Commenting on the development, the President of MOSOP, Mr. Ledum Mitee, said today in Port Harcourt:

“We agree that the relationship between Shell and the Ogoni people has been damaged irreparably and therefore the President’s decision is timely and appropriate.” 

“There is now a profound opportunity for the Federal Government to recognise and address the grievances of the Ogoni people in a manner that can bring hope to the whole Niger Delta region. A dialogue on the way forward that centres around the Ogoni Bill of Rights would do much to reassure our people”. 

We note the reports that commitments have been made to address existing environmental damage. It is vital that the remediation of Ogoni is an exercise that is treated with urgency, transparency, and commitment by all parties. 

“As to any future oil company we see this as an opportunity for government to seek an operator who can play a transformational role by recognising the centrality of human rights, justice, and the environment from the outset of its operations”. 

“MOSOP will in the days ahead seek to play a constructive and leading role in the debate over what will be requried of an oil operator to win the confidence of our communities and provide a groundbreaking positive model for the Niger Delta”. 

“At the end of an era we are proud that we non-violently resisted abuse and environmental degradation of our land. Issues such as gas flaring that were central to our campaigns in 1993 have now become issues of national and global importance. It is a fitting tribute to the sacrifices of our heroes”. 

“We also pray that Royal Dutch Shell as a company will learn from this experience and take a renewed look at why its policies and practices in Nigeria are so far apart”. 

In a related development, an Ogoni National Congress organized under the auspices of the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) is scheduled to hold at Suanu Finimale Nwika Conference Hall, Bori on Saturday, June 7, 2008 by 10.30 am All Ogonis are thus enjoined to attend as vital issues relating to the current development would be deliberated upon.

Ledum Mitee

President

Note:

To download a copy of the press statement, please click here: (PDF format, 176kb)