The Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) has condemned RoboMichael Limited and the Nigerian Army over forceful occupation of its secretariat in Bori, Ogoniland in Rivers State.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, MOSOP Publicity Secretary Fegalo Nsuke narrated that at about 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 27, 2017, two military tanks and about 10 trucks loaded with heavily armed soldiers took over the secretariat of MOSOP forcing their way into the main hall to provide backing for a meeting between RoboMichael and some Ogoni chiefs.

“We are shocked that RoboMichael, a strange company to the Ogoni people who claims to be the new operator of the Ogoni oilfields on its first visit to Ogoniland could only convey such a frightening and intimidating character reminiscent of the brutal years of General Sani Abacha, forcefully occupying our secretariat and depicting a strong determination to crush and kill any Ogoni opposition against its intents to resume oil production in the land,” he said.

Nsuke stressed that the company demonstrated its inhuman side and true personality signaling real danger to the peace and security of the people.

He said: “The action of RoboMichael smacks the return of military oppression in Ogoniland. We condemn this action of RoboMichael and the penchant of the Nigerian authorities to deploy troops to repress the wishes of our people.”

MOSOP demanded a probe into the military occupation of its secretariat as the Movement did not approve the use of its secretariat for a meeting with RoboMichael. It also called on President Muhammadu Buhari, to protect the Ogoni people from the alliance between RoboMichael and the Nigerian military.

“MOSOP wants to reiterate that as an indigenous community, the only demand the Ogoni people have made to the Nigerian state is that our rights and dignity be respected and this is contained in the Ogoni Bill of Rights,” the statement read.

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