OGONI/Nigeria: The Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) has strongly criticized the actions of Geoplex Drillteq Limited and the select Ogoni chiefs endorsing the company’s plans to resume oil production in Ogoni.
MOSOP President Fegalo Nsuke emphasized the organization’s staunch opposition to this development, highlighting the overwhelming disapproval from the Ogoni community.
In a statement, Nsuke said, “We have received credible information about a planned meeting between these chiefs and Geoplex representatives on May 25, 2024, at Birabi Memorial Grammar School, Bori, to endorse Geoplex for resuming oil production in Ogoni.”
“MOSOP dissociates itself from this meeting and unequivocally rejects Geoplex Drillteq Limited’s involvement in Ogoni oil and gas production. The company’s conduct is repressive, brutish, and reminiscent of Shell’s genocidal methods,” the statement read.
Nsuke reiterated MOSOP’s historical struggle against Shell, urging that their stance on oil production in Ogoni be taken seriously. He condemned the violent approach of Geoplex and certain chiefs, advocating instead for broad-based engagement addressing the legitimate concerns of the Ogoni people.
“Over the past four years, we have extensively consulted with various groups, including women, youths, professionals, chiefs, and leaders of thought. On September 27, 2020, the Central Committee of MOSOP recommended the operationalization of the Ogoni Development Authority as a pathway for peaceful oil production resumption. These gains must not be wasted,” he stated.
“MOSOP demands that a fair proportion of Ogoni resources be allocated for Ogoni development through the Ogoni Development Authority. It is absurd and unacceptable that Geoplex, in collusion with some chiefs, chooses a path that generates tension and threatens our society’s peace.”
Nsuke declared that any decisions made at the May 25 meeting in Bori are unacceptable and non-binding on the Ogoni people. He called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to initiate genuine dialogue for a peaceful and mutually beneficial settlement.
“MOSOP alerts the public and our allies worldwide to the threat posed by Geoplex and its Shell-styled approach. This unilateral action by select chiefs is unacceptable. We call on President Tinubu to facilitate dialogue for a peaceful resolution beneficial to all parties and our country,” Nsuke concluded.
