From Tony John, Port Harcourt
Factional Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People (MOSOP) has tasked the Federal Government on implementation of its proposed Ogoni Development Authority (ODA).
Fegalo Nsuke, the faction’s president, said in a statement by Alex Akori, the MOSOP Secretary, yesterday, in Port Harcourt.
He further said the group has rejected the planned resumption of oil exploration activities in Ogoni land.
Nsuke said the proposed demand of ODA allows the Federal Government to assign an agreed percentage of oil resources for the Ogoni people to enable them take full responsibility for its development.
He said: “We want to take responsibility for our future. After due consultation with Ogoni people, we were left with no option than to reject the planned oil exploration contract assigned by the Federal Government to the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC) and Sahara Energy.
“Although the companies are endorsed by the Federal Government, but it lacks the potential of executing a proper development plan for the Ogoni people.’’
Nsuke said the company recently moved toward resuming oil exploration on the oil field which has been closed for over 30 years following lingering issues of alleged environmental degradation and neglect of host communities.
“NPDC and Sahara Energy have recently conspired against the Ogoni people and have been sponsoring internal conflicts in Ogoni land with intent to forcefully resume oil exploration. This is against the collective will of the people,” he said.
He acknowledged that the group will support any peaceful resolve geared towards ending an over 30 years shut down of oil production in Ogoni.