The Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) has expressed concerns about “the tensed security situation in the country and particularly in Rivers State” ahead of the governorship and state assembly polls scheduled for this weekend.

“MOSOP is worried about the cases of violence nationwide particularly in Rivers State where reports suggest that over 30 persons were killed during and after the last national assembly and presidential polls,” according to a statement issued on Wednesday in Bori, Ogoniland.

“We call on all parties to work for peace and end the violence during and after this Saturday's governorship and state assembly elections,” the statement signed by MOSOP President Fegalo Nsuke said.

“MOSOP,” the statement further said, “strongly warns against the excesses of soldiers and wants to unequivocally warn against the militarisation of Ogoniland.

“We note that the Nigerian military has never been a friend of the Ogoni people and the scars of their past brutality are still very fresh on us. MOSOP will strongly frown at any form of military repression against our people and will take all steps, legal, to ensure that perpetrators of all forms of abuses are brought to account.

“We call on all Ogonis to be peaceful during the polls and to be very vigilant to checkmate the use of the military and political tugs to deny the people their rights to choose in next Saturday’s elections.”