The Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) has issued a firm warning to the Federal Government, urging President Bola Tinubu to avoid triggering an oil crisis in Ogoni through any forceful resumption of oil production in the area.
MOSOP President, Fegalo Nsuke, made the call during a stakeholder engagement held at the organisation’s secretariat in Bori, Khana Local Government Area, Rivers State.
He warned that restarting oil in Ogoni without proper consultation could spark resistance and harm Tinubu’s image before 2027 elections.
Forced Oil Operations Could Spark Instability
Nsuke described recent attempts by private actors and oil interests to resume exploration in Ogoni as “fraudulent” and “deceptive.” He insisted that any move to restart oil production without local dialogue amounts to an ambush on the Presidency.
“I believe Mr President will not yield to pressure from vested interests who are willing to ignite an oil crisis in Ogoni for personal gain,” Nsuke said. “A forceful resumption will carry reputational risks and potentially destabilise the entire Niger Delta.”
Tinubu’s Image and 2027 Elections on the Line
As the political climate builds toward 2027, Nsuke stressed that the Federal Government must choose peace over provocation.
He argued that President Tinubu cannot afford the fallout from a renewed oil crisis in Ogoni, especially at a time when his administration is consolidating national unity.
“Let the sleeping dog lie,” he said. “Reputation matters. Igniting a crisis in Ogoni just to satisfy private oil interests would corrode the government’s standing locally and internationally.”
MOSOP Offers Dialogue, Not Resistance
While affirming that Ogoni resistance to forced oil production is inevitable, Nsuke reiterated the group’s continued commitment to peaceful and constructive dialogue.
He announced civic education campaigns across Ogoni kingdoms to encourage calm and unity amid growing tensions over oil production.
“We urge all Ogoni people to disregard provocations. We are pursuing Resolution, not confrontation. We trust that the government will accept our offer for a meaningful conversation.”
A Test of Leadership in the Niger Delta
Nsuke described the situation as a defining test of leadership for President Tinubu.
“Moreover, he warned that any misstep could trigger both domestic unrest and global scrutiny, especially from human rights organisations and environmental watchdogs closely monitoring extractive activities in the Niger Delta.”
“If Mr President accepts MOSOP’s hand of dialogue, he will strengthen his legacy. But if he gives in to these shadow players, he risks facing global condemnation and internal resistance,” he said.
Stakeholders Await Federal Position
With pressure mounting, key stakeholders across Rivers State and the Niger Delta await the Tinubu administration’s stance. Industry experts say any move to resume drilling in Ogoni must first pass through a framework of community consent, environmental remediation, and equity sharing.
“To this day, the Ogoni struggle for justice remains one of Nigeria’s longest-running resource conflicts. It dates back to the 1990s, a period when the region first gained international attention due to widespread human rights violations and severe environmental degradation linked to oil operations.”
Final Thought: Dialogue, Not Drilling, Will Resolve Ogoni
As tensions simmer, the message from MOSOP is clear: there is no shortcut to peace in Ogoni.
The oil beneath the land must not be valued above the people who live on it.
For President Tinubu, how he handles this delicate situation will reflect his commitment to inclusive leadership and long-term national cohesion