…Calls for probe of $300m fund
…Say craft centre will help Ogoni youths to get jobs
The elite members of Ogoni resident in the United States of America have urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to cage Nyesom Wike, minister of FCT, when it’s not too late. Meetings are however, said to be going on in Aso Rock starting Wednesday, May 15, 2024, as nine commissioners resigned from the government signaling end of peace and start of warfare.
The group has also called for a probe into alleged $300m fund from the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) said to have been given for the development of Ogoni area.
The group also demanded for establishment of federal craft centre to boost skills development in Ogoni and the chances of their youths gaining access to jobs.
In a warning from the USA under the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) made available BusinessDay in Port Harcourt, the MOSOP USA urged President Tinubu to act to save Rivers State from the troubles at hand.
According to the statement issued by DineBari Augustine Kpuinen, MOSOP USA president, the President must control one of his own whose activities they said have stiffened and threatened the administration.
The group said the FCT Minister was claiming ownership of Rivers State.
The group said MOSOP USA needs peace in Rivers State.
“We need Wike to stop terrorising the sitting governor, Sim Fubara. We call on the President to prevail on Wike to allow the sitting governor to manage the affairs of Rivers State in peace, just as he was allowed to govern when he was governor. He should be made to prepare to pay the Ogoni people money meant for the development (believed to be with him),” it said.
They appealed to President Tinubu to investigate alleged $300 million said to belong to the Ogoni people from the NNPC as compensation. Rumours were rife that such money came and was trapped in government.
MOSOP USA said: “Finally, Ogoni needs well-equipped Federal Colleges of Applied Technology (FCAT), where the children will acquire skills and trade to meet the employment demands of the 21st century. We therefore inform the president that this FCAT will solve the problem of Ogoni underemployment as they have the most unemployed youths in Nigeria.
“Having the Youth acquire basic trades and skills will help them create jobs for themselves and others, gradually eliminating unemployment and boosting the nation’s economy. We advise Mr. President to consider rebuilding the nation by providing skills and trades to the youths.”
Recasting the summary of their demands, MOSOP USA said Ogoni opposes oil exploration and exploitation. “All oil companies remain persona non grata in Ogoni. That prerequisite includes: Clean up all old contaminants to ensure the environment is safe for oil production. Grant Ogoni a political autonomous State within Nigeria. This will guarantee equal representation, the right to control our political affairs and the protection of our boundaries and environment. Exonerate and immortalise the Ogoni Nine. Recall all Ogonis in exile. Rehabilitate internal refugees into their homes, which were sacked and flattened by the Abach administration. Provide the five essentials to development, which include clean water, good roads, electricity, security, and medical facilities.”
