The Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) has urged residents of Ogoniland to support a dialogue process led by Nigeria’s Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), saying it could help resolve decades-long disputes between the Ogoni people and the country’s oil industry.
Speaking at a meeting of MOSOP leaders in Port Harcourt over the weekend, MOSOP President Fegalo Nsuke said the talks represented a departure from previous government approaches and offered an opportunity to address issues that have persisted for more than three decades.
“The ongoing dialogue process significantly departs from previous approaches and deserves to be tested,” Nsuke said.
He described the initiative as people-centred and said MOSOP would support any outcome that delivers collective benefits to the Ogoni people.
The Ogoni region in Rivers State has been at the centre of a long-running conflict over environmental damage, resource control and demands for greater benefits from oil production.
Nsuke urged residents to reject attempts to undermine the dialogue process for personal gain, saying MOSOP would prioritise the collective interests of the Ogoni people over private interests.
He added that the organisation would remain committed to the talks and await the outcome of the engagement with government authorities.
