MOSOP, Magnus Abe differ on FG ultimatum on UNEP implementation

While the Ogoni umbrella organisation, Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People (MOSOP), feels sad about the Federal Government’s undue silence about implementation of the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) report, and has issued a 30-day ultimatum to President Muhammadu Buhari administration to begin quick implementation, Magnus Abe, former senator and an outspoken Ogoni politician feels differently.

Abe had therefore dissociated himself from the MOSOP ultimatum.

Their point of departure is the source of recrimination between the former senator and his kinsmen, who said he (Abe) was on an “anti-Ogoni” move.

MOSOP, in a strong reaction, said it was deeply disappointed at the anti-Ogoni stance of Abe and the erstwhile KAGOTE president, Peter Medee, regarding the Ogoni position, slamming a 30-day ultimatum on the Federal Government to constitute and announce structures for the commencement of the planned Ogoni clean-up project.

“While we do not intend to join issues with Abe and co, we consider their positions as emotionally and improperly thought through. We recall that Senator Ngei Abe represented by the National Deputy President of the Nigerian Civil Service Union, Comrade Menele Nziidee, supported the ultimatum at Birabi Memorial Grammar School, Bori, during the Ogoni Day celebration on January 4. It is therefore most appalling that three days thereafter, he dissociates himself from the same Ogoni stance he has earlier endorsed,” MOSOP stated in a statement signed by Fegalo Nsuke.

MOSOP said it recalled that Abe had in 2013, not only supported similar Ogoni ultimatum slammed on the Jonathan administration, but also warned that the then PDP Federal Government would be rejected by the Ogoni people if it failed to implement the UNEP report on Ogoniland. “Coming now to distance himself from similar legitimate Ogoni position means double standard, insensitivity and unfortunate,” it stated.

According to the Ogoni umbrella body, “several factors were considered before the position was taken. The Ogoni people had been saddened that, over five months ago, fast-track structures for the implementation of the UNEP report was announced, yet there is nothing to show that government is interested in restoring our hydrocarbon ruined environment, except worrisome silence. We would accept nothing now other than immediate commencement of the clean-up exercise.”

It said it was disappointing that Abe and other Ogoni sons did not realise the implications of their alleged anti-Ogoni positions.

It warned further that: “Any person seeking to represent the Ogoni people, but failed to support, protect and defend the legitimate yearnings of our people because of sentimental considerations will undoubtedly be rejected by the Ogoni people.”

MOSOP claimed it had led Ogoni people from grass to grace, which had endeared it to the citizens who have mandated it to speak and act on their behalf, adding that “the thunderous response that greeted the ultimatum on Ogoni Day, not only meant overwhelming support, but also the popularity of MOSOP.”

It also warned that the proposed Ogoni environmental remediation and restoration exercise was not a political issue, but an environmental matter.