The Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People has lamented that 500,000 barrels of daily crude oil production remain trapped in the Ogoni soil since the disagreement between the people and Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria resulted in the latter?s exit from the area in 1993.

This is contained in a document co-signed by its President, Andah Ogosu, and its past factional leaders, Prince Biira and Fegalo Nsuke, which was read during the Ogoni Day Celebration in Bori, Khana Local Government Area of the state on Saturday.

The address was read on their behalf by a monarch and traditional ruler of the Tai Kingdom, Samuel Nnee.

The monarch recalled how MOSOP ? the umbrella body of the Ogoni people in Rivers State, had gathered at the same venue 32 years ago to protest what he termed ?frustrating and dehumanising conditions in which the Ogoni people found themselves.?

He stated, ?The resultant persecution, brutality and deaths that followed Nigeria?s response to the demands of the Ogoni people for justice are awful memories which should constantly motivate us all towards our goal to address underdevelopment in Ogoni.

?The resumption of oil production since 1993, following disagreement and subsequent exit of Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited, the Ogoni oil fields within Oil Mining Lease-11 have remained redundant, stranded and underdeveloped.

?This unfortunate situation has trapped a proven oil production capacity of 500,000 barrels-per-day to remain stranded under the soil where the Ogoni people walk daily without electricity, water, healthcare?in an environment that is polluted and unfit for human habitation,? among others.

Nnee added, ?MOSOP is aware that HYPREP currently can address this underground water pollution and calls for immediate action to recover the trapped oil and to restore our underground water to a safer state.

?Today, we are pleased to present our development blueprint and expectations of the Ogoni people in this new relationship to address all legacy issues and bring about development in the Ogoni region. This new relationship is in the best interest of our people and pledges to focus on peace and development in Ogoni primarily.?

The MOSOP leaders further outlined some demands which they maintained were in line with its ultimate desire for development in the environment.

They noted, ?The unbundling, removal or carve out of the Ogoni fields from the existing Financial and Technical Services Agreement between Sahara and WAGL for the OML 11 concession and the assigning of the Ogoni block to an indigenous operator that is acceptable to all parties, and willing to make concessions and commit a fair proportion of its earnings for Ogoni development.

?The commencement of a judicial review to clear the name of Ogoni Great Martyr Kenule Beeson Saro-Wiwa and eight of his fellow martyrs and granting posthumous national honour to the foremost martyrs of the Ogoni struggle, aka ?Ogoni 13,? who was executed by the Nigerian state on November 10, 1995, during the regime of late Gen. Sani Abacha.

?Fast-tracking the presidential assent to the bill for an Act establishing the Federal University of Environmental Technology, Saakpenwa in Tai Local Government Area of Rivers State,? among other demands.

The body expressed optimism for the future of Ogoni, saying, ?We are pleased to see a new beginning for the Ogoni and we urge everyone?s patience while we further deepen our unity.?

In his remark, the Head, Media and Communications, Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project, Enuolare Mba-Nwigoh, who was represented by the project?s Coordinator, Prof Nenibarini Zabbey assured the people of Ogoni of the agency?s commitment to ensuring environmental sustainability in the area, and urged the people to be patient and peaceful. (The PUNCH)

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