More than 30 civil society organizations, led by the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP), staged a peaceful demonstration across Ogoniland, Rivers State, to protest the Federal Government’s plan to restart oil exploration in the region. The demonstration, centered in Bori, drew participants from various groups including the National Youth Council of Ogoni People (NYCOP) and the Federation of Ogoni Women’s Associations (FOWA), all carrying placards expressing their strong opposition to the proposed oil resumption.
The protesting groups demanded justice for Ken Saro-Wiwa and the Ogoni Eight, who were executed in 1995 for their advocacy against environmental pollution. They called for the exoneration of Saro-Wiwa, rather than a pardon, citing his denial of a fair hearing. Additionally, they insisted on the inclusion of all stakeholders, particularly MOSOP, in the oil resumption process, and demanded a halt to the current process led by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), advocating for a new, transparent approach.
Further demands included granting operational licenses to Indigenous Ogoni companies, unbundling OML11, and providing compensation for environmental damage. The groups also sought a panel of inquiry into the deaths of the Ogoni 4, for which Saro-Wiwa and others were convicted.
Fegalo Nsuke, President of MOSOP, addressed protesters, emphasizing that MOSOP, having led the struggle to halt oil drilling in the 90s, must be involved in any resumption process. He asserted that no decisions should be imposed without MOSOP’s input, vowing to resist any attempts to marginalize their rights.
Comrade Barinuazor Emmanuel, President of NYCOP, echoed these sentiments, insisting that their demands be met before oil exploration resumes. He called for the clearing of Ken Saro-Wiwa’s name, portraying him as a hero who fought for the Ogoni people. Emmanuel also urged the National Security Adviser to address the actions of the Ogoni political class, which he claimed could undermine the president’s peaceful resumption plan.
President Bola Tinubu’s administration had announced its decision to resume oil exploration in Ogoniland, establishing a committee led by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu to engage with stakeholders. However, reports indicate that the dialogue is facing challenges, with MOSOP accusing the NSA team of deviating from the president’s directives.
