Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People (MOSOP) has resolved to take part in the 2015 general elections, notwithstanding non-realisation of its Project 2015, which was meant to produce Governor Chibuike Amaechi’s successor. The group condemned the purported declaration by some Ogoni Chiefs approving immediate resumption of oil production in Ogoniland without consultation.
This is even as the movement had constituted a committee to look into the alleged endorsement of an indigenous firm, Belema Oil, by traditional rulers in Ogoni, which has become controversial.
Ogoni people took the decision at the weekend, during their general congress in Bori, Khana Local Government Area, the traditional headquarters of the Ogoni ethnic nationality.
The people also resolved that they would not adopt any particular party or candidate for any elective position, and encouraged Ogoni people to vote according to their conscience.
MOSOP President, Legborsi Pyagbara, declared the position of Ogoni people at its general congress at Bori, stating that the decision would enable them to freely exercise their fundamental human rights of freedom of choice and association.
“In arriving at our decision here today, the Ogoni indigenes have resolved to fully participate in the 2015 general elections. Eligible Ogoni people will vote for any candidate of their choice in any elective position. Although, we did not achieve our aim of having an Ogoni person to become the governor of Rivers State in 2015, we are confident that we are closer now than we were before in having an Ogoni as the governor of the state.
“The Ogoni agitation against political marginalisation has been widely acknowledged. We have demonstrated that we cannot be ignored in the political space. We are sure that our position will be taken into consideration in the next governorship election. We are closer to attaining our set objective of producing a governor of Ogoni extraction for Rivers State.”
Also, the people of Ogoni had allowed MOSOP to set up a committee to study proposals by companies indicating interest in oil extraction in Ogoniland and make recommendations to the congress for further consideration and approval.
Most of those present at the congress, however, spoke in favour of Belema Oil Company Limited, which reportedly, had received the traditional rulers’ endorsement.
Speaking at the event, the paramount ruler of Kegbara-dere (the highest oil bearing community), Donald Gberesu, from Gokana Local Government Area, suggested that MOSOP should constitute a committee to study all proposals from companies that were interested in prospecting for oil in Ogoniland.
Gberesu maintained that it would be difficult for the Ogoni general congress to consider proposals from oil companies, who were desirous of oil extraction in Ogoniland.
