OGONI/Nigeria: The Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) says it is optimistic that its ongoing dialogue with the Federal Government will produce a favourable outcome for the Ogoni people after more than three decades of agitation for a peaceful resolution of their concerns.
MOSOP President, Fegalo Nsuke, gave the assurance during a meeting of the organisation’s Steering Committee, according to a statement issued by its Secretary-General, Alex Akori, on August 19, 2026.
Nsuke said the dialogue marked a significant development in the Ogoni people’s longstanding search for peace and a negotiated resolution, adding that progress was being made both in the engagement with the government and in mobilising the Ogoni communities around the process.
“For over 30 years, we have advocated for a peaceful resolution of the Ogoni conflicts,” Nsuke said. “I am glad that the dialogue is ongoing and it is going well. I am also very optimistic that we will strike a good deal from the process.”
He described the dialogue as an outcome of the Ogoni people’s sustained commitment to non-violent resistance and urged other groups seeking redress for their grievances to consider peaceful engagement rather than armed struggle.
According to him, the significance of the process goes beyond the immediate issues being discussed between Ogoni representatives and the Federal Government.
He said the dialogue had gained broad acceptance as a pathway towards addressing the Ogoni question, while also demonstrating that non-violent agitation could provide a basis for negotiating development and other demands.
Nsuke added that the process was people-centred and intended to accelerate development in Ogoni.
He thanked the people of Ogoni for choosing peace and supporting the dialogue, describing their decision to embrace the process as one of the most important steps taken during the more than 30-year search for peace, development and a fresh beginning for the area.
Meanwhile, the MOSOP Steering Committee has elected three new officers to fill vacant positions within the organisation.
The committee elected Chief Nwale Emereonwi as Deputy President, Mr. Kpoobari Gbidum as Assistant Secretary-General and Gbene (Hon.) Lekue Zini as President of the National Youth Council of Ogoni People (NYCOP).
The statement said the three emerged after the committee assessed the candidates presented for the respective positions.
Congratulating the newly elected officers, Nsuke said their emergence was overdue following the absence of the previous occupants of the positions.
The new appointments, the statement said, are expected to strengthen the leadership structure of MOSOP as the organisation continues its engagement on the Ogoni dialogue process.
