Tinubu’s Proposed Meeting On Oil Resumption With Ogoni Leaders Under Threat As MOSOP Objects To Exclusion

The proposed meeting between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and some Ogoni leaders regarding the resumption of oil activities in Ogoni land faces potential disruption as the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) has expressed strong reservations about being excluded.

MOSOP, in a statement signed by its three factional presidents—Prince Nuyete Biira, Fegalo Nsuke, and Engr. Olu Andah Wai-Ogosu—voiced disappointment over the lack of consultation, labeling the meeting as “clandestine” and warning it could undermine ongoing peace and reconciliation efforts in the region.

The group stated, “While we are not opposed to oil resumption in Ogoni, and considering the impact of the oil crisis on the Ogoni people, we expected proper consultation and inclusivity in conversations relating thereto.

“Hitherto, the leadership of MOSOP has not been consulted. It is therefore surprising that MOSOP learnt of such a meeting in the media. It is important to state that any discussion concerning oil resumption in Ogoni and related matters cannot be successful without the involvement of the leadership of MOSOP.”

The statement also highlighted MOSOP’s recent achievements in fostering peace and unity, particularly during the Ogoni Day celebration on January 4, 2025.

They cautioned that excluding key stakeholders like MOSOP could jeopardize these gains, stating, “It is instructive to note that MOSOP has made significant progress in restoring peace and unity in the organization and Ogoni in general.

“We hope the non-inclusive meeting will not undermine the peace building efforts of MOSOP and the achievement made on Ogoni Day, January 4, 2025. Furthermore, MOSOP expect that the meeting will not dampen the progress made in persuading the Ogoni people to buy into the oil resumption campaign.”

MOSOP emphasized the importance of collective efforts, urging all interest groups within and outside Ogoni to support the ongoing peace process to achieve a mutually beneficial resolution.

The factional presidents further called on the Ogoni people to remain calm, peaceful, and law-abiding as they continue to work towards a lasting solution to the controversies surrounding oil resumption.

“MOSOP is concerned, and particularly worried that the outcome of the proposed meeting could trigger civil uprising in Ogoni and jeopardise the gains of on-going peace and reconciliation efforts, which is pre-requisite for any real development.

“We call on the Ogoni people to be calm, peaceful and law-abiding as we pursue an enduring resolution of the controversies,” the statement concluded.