The Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) says it is in good alignment with the ongoing discussions with the Federal Government to resolve the three decades crisis with the Nigerian oil industry. MOSOP says the honesty that has so far been demonstrated by the negotiating teams on both sides (the government and the Ogoni people) gives hope that the outcome will be mutually beneficial.

President of MOSOP, Fegalo Nsuke, made the declaration yesterday while addressing a large crowd of MOSOP faithful in Giokoo, Gokana kingdom. Nsuke said: “For the first time, we have a situation where discussions are focussed on the demands of the Ogoni people and not just on resuming oil production in the area. He said, given the progress so far, MOSOP is obliged to support the ongoing dialogue”.

“We have fought for over 30 years and we were able to bring Shell to shame and expose their bad deeds in Ogoni. The government today has also admitted the wrongs and errors of the past, especially the way we were treated and dehumanised. However, the good news is that the government has offered to talk and that is already ongoing. That is good and we have good reasons to tell you that ongoing talks are going well,” Nsuke said.

“In a non-violent struggle like ours, there can be no better alternative to dialogue. Whatever discourages you from dialogue is an enemy and you must avoid them,” further Nsuke said.

He further clarified the goal of MOSOP in ongoing dialogue stating that MOSOP essentially wants to see the emergence of an Ogoni economy that protects the future of the people.

“The Ogoni struggle was essentially a protest against underdevelopment. Today, the government has offered to enter into discussions on how we can best address that problem. What can be better than that?

“The role and goal of MOSOP is to ensure that what we have fought for is protected so that the benefits get to those for whom they were intended and there will be no compromise on that,” he said.

Nsuke further urged the Ogoni people to remain focused and maintain the peace noting that the Ogoni struggle had been a costly one and the sacrifices should never be in vain.

“You have fought a good fight. You are the symbol of the Ogoni resistance and you must remain focused at this time to protect the benefits of the struggle. Do not be misled by anyone. The struggle has been your life and you have to safeguard its benefits in the interest of our collective future. If we do not protect the dialogue committee and the benefits of the struggle, then it is all in vain,” he said.

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