By Daniel Abia, Port Harcourt
The Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) has called for peace, unity, and reconciliation among the Ogoni people as they commemorate the 30th anniversary of the execution of the Ogoni-9, including environmental activist Ken Saro-Wiwa.
In a statement marking the November 10, 1995 memorial, MOSOP President Fegalo Nsuke said it was time for Ogonis to heal from years of internal discord and work collectively for the progress of Ogoniland and Nigeria.
“It’s time to make peace. We have had a prolonged conflict which has not only divided us but has also been exploited by external forces to frustrate our development goals,” Nsuke said. He urged all Ogonis to embrace compromise and reconciliation in order to “ease tensions and chart a common course for the good of Ogoni.”
Nsuke said internal disagreements had inflicted more harm on the Ogoni struggle than the actions attributed to Shell, noting that the tragic events of November 10, 1995 could have been avoided if the community had remained united.
“The enemy understood that the only way they could break us was by setting us against each other, and we fell for their trap,” he said. “Today is an opportunity to rethink and make peace. I am ready for that peace and I urge you all to embrace it.”
He highlighted the global recognition the Ogoni struggle has achieved, stressing the need to convert these gains into economic value that would improve the lives of Ogoni people.
“We must end internal division and focus on ensuring that our God-given resources benefit not only the government but also the Ogoni people,” he said.
Nsuke also paid tribute to Ken Saro-Wiwa, Baribor Bera, Nordu Eawo, Dr. Nubari Kiobel, and others who were executed under the Abacha regime. He acknowledged the international solidarity that protected many Ogonis from further persecution.
“We are not alone. The world has shown heartfelt solidarity which shielded our people from the vicious swords of General Sani Abacha,” he said. “We should never forget that the world still watches to see how we advance our quest for justice.”
MOSOP reiterated its call for the Nigerian government to revisit the trial of the Ogoni-9 and officially repudiate their execution.
The post MOSOP calls for peace, unity as Ogoni marks 30th anniversary of Ogoni-9 execution appeared first on Vanguard News.
