Prince Biira, the factional president of the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP), has commended the four local government chairmen of Ogoni for promoting peace among MOSOP’s factions.
Biira expressed gratitude to the chairmen for their role in promoting peace and unity within MOSOP, which has been pivotal in the movement’s struggle for environmental justice and self-determination in the Niger Delta region.
Prince Biira, emphasized the importance of unity, stating “united we stand and divided we fall” during a world press conference held at the MOSOP Peace and Freedom Centre in Bori on November 10, 2024, to commemorate Ogoni martyrs.
MOSOP was founded in 1990 to campaign non-violently for democratic awareness, environmental protection, social and economic development, cultural rights, and self-determination for the Ogoni people. The organization has faced numerous challenges, including environmental degradation and human rights violations, but Biira’s statement suggests a willingness to work towards a more unified and peaceful future.
Prince Biira, addressed the gathering said that MOSOP is expanding its commemoration beyond the Ogoni 9 to honor the Ogoni 14.
“We have decided to expand our annual commemoration to honor not just the Ogoni 9, but the Ogoni 14, who lost their lives in the struggle for environmental justice and human rights.”
“We are remembering four additional elites – Albert Badey, Edward Kobani, Samuel Orage, and Theophilus Orage – who were murdered due to political undertones,” Biira explained.
“Their inclusion is a result of MOSOP’s understanding with their families, and we believe it is essential to acknowledge their sacrifices.”
Biira highlighted the Ogoni people’s decades-long struggle against environmental degradation and human rights violations. “Since the 1950s, when oil extraction began, our people have suffered immensely. MOSOP was formed in 1990 to campaign for social, economic, and environmental justice through non-violent resistance.”
“The commemoration serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for environmental justice and human rights in the Niger Delta,” Biira stressed. “By honoring the Ogoni 14, we reaffirm our commitment to unity and remembrance, recognizing the sacrifices made for a better future for the Ogoni people.”
“Let us honor the memories of the Ogoni 14 by recommitting ourselves to the struggle for a better tomorrow. Together, we can achieve justice, peace, and prosperity for the Ogoni people.”
He also highlighted the organization’s notable achievements and demands.
He said that MOSOP has been instrumental in promoting environmental justice and human rights in the Niger Delta region.
He further stated that One of MOSOP’s significant accomplishments is the enthronement of democracy in Nigeria. The organization played a crucial role in the transition from military rule to democratic governance.
Additionally, MOSOP successfully advocated for the implementation of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) report on the cleanup of Ogoniland. This led to the establishment of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP), a centre of excellence, and a specialist hospital in Tai.
Biira also called on the federal government to honour the memory of the Ogoni Nine, who were executed by the Nigerian government in 1995.
The Ogoni Nine, including Ken Saro-Wiwa, Saturday Dobee, Nordu Eawo, Daniel Gbooko, Paul Levera, Felix Nuate, Baribor Bera, Barinem Kiobel, and John Kpuine, were activists who opposed the operating practices of the Royal Dutch Shell oil corporation in the Niger Delta region.
MOSOP has several demands to address the ongoing struggles of the Ogoni people. Firstly, Biira demanded the immediate exoneration of Ken Saro-Wiwa and the eight other Ogoni individuals who were wrongfully accused and executed.
Another demand is the immortalization of the Ogoni 14, who lost their lives in the struggle for environmental justice and human rights. The federal government should build a national monument to honor their memory.
Furthermore, MOSOP advocates for Ogoni oilfield autonomy. The federal government should make the Ogoni oilfield a separate oil block and grant oil mining licenses to Ogoni companies.
The organization also seeks the establishment of a federal university focused on environmental studies in Ogoniland.
This would provide opportunities for education and research in environmental conservation.
Lastly, Biira called on the federal government to provide support for Ogoni refugees who fled to other countries during the military attack on Ogoniland. These demands reflect MOSOP’s continued efforts to advocate for the rights and well-being of the Ogoni people.
