The Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) has voiced strong opposition to the activities of Geoplex Drillteq Limited, a company allegedly backed by select Ogoni chiefs for resuming oil production in Ogoni despite widespread resistance from the local population.

In a statement signed by its President, Mr. Fegalo Nsuke, MOSOP expressed concerns over a planned meeting between these chiefs and representatives of Geoplex Drillteq Limited on Saturday, May 25, 2024, at the Birabi Memorial Grammar School in Bori, Ogoni. The meeting’s agenda includes endorsing Geoplex for oil production in the region.

“MOSOP dissociates itself from the said meeting of May 25, 2024, at Bori, which seeks to endorse Geoplex and state our unequivocal rejection of Geoplex Drillteq Limited for whatever purpose that has to do with resuming oil and gas production in Ogoni,” the statement read. “The conduct of the company is outrightly repressive and brutish, akin to the genocidal methods of Shell.”

Mr. Nsuke reiterated MOSOP’s historic struggle against Shell and stressed the importance of taking MOSOP’s stance on oil production seriously. He condemned the violent approach allegedly employed by Geoplex and certain Ogoni chiefs, calling for genuine, broad-based engagement that addresses the legitimate demands and concerns of the Ogoni people.

“MOSOP has extensively consulted with different groups, including women, youths, professionals, chiefs, and leaders of thought,” Nsuke noted. “On September 27, 2020, the Central Committee of MOSOP recommended the operationalization of a development blueprint, the Ogoni Development Authority, as an acceptable pathway for a peaceful resumption of oil production in Ogoni.”

The statement highlighted MOSOP’s minimal demand for a fair proportion of Ogoni resources to be set aside for Ogoni development through the Ogoni Development Authority. Nsuke criticized Geoplex and the chiefs’ actions, stating that they create unnecessary tension and threaten the peace of the Ogoni society.

“MOSOP declares that any statements, decisions, declarations made at the meeting of chiefs on Saturday, May 25, 2024, in Bori are not acceptable to us and will not be binding on the Ogoni people,” the statement asserted. “We alert the general public and our allies around the world of the threat posed by Geoplex and its Shell-styled approach to force itself on the Ogoni people.”

MOSOP called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to initiate a genuine dialogue to facilitate a peaceful and mutually beneficial engagement for all parties involved.