•Says ongoing peace process should be given a chance

Ogonis in the United States under the aegis of the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP USA) has called on the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) to allow on-going peace process aimed at resolving the Ogoni crises to be completed before pushing for the resumption of oil production in the area. Accordingly, MOSOP USA urged the removal of the Ogoni oil blocks from current bidding rounds in order not to jeopardise the peace process.

Former president of MOSOP USA, Dr. Anderson Ngbobu, who made the call on Wednesday said the situation in Ogoni was still very sensitive though, it was enjoying the cooperation of critical stakeholders, and it would be premature to attempt to bypass current negotiations and create a situation that ignites an avoidable unrest.

"I will suggest that the NUPRC would allow on-going peace process to be concluded before venturing into the Ogoni area so that we do not have distortions that could set back the progress achieved so far"

Ngbobu noted that while much progress, in terms of internal reconciliation has been achieved amongst Ogonis, and discussions with the federal government has so far been positive, there is need to sustain the current momentum and straighten some rough edges before contemplating a reentry into the Ogoni oilfields.

"I think that so far, Ogonis has achieved some reconciliation internally and discussions with the government have been positive. We don't have to rock the boat with a hurried reentry program at this time. Let us allow the peace process to be concluded and the concerns of all parties be clearly accommodated so that we do not ignite avoidable resistance"

While commending Mr. President for the current approach and urging the Ogoni people to support the peace process, Nsuke expressed hopes that the issues will eventually be resolved especially the demands for a state for the Ogoni people, the industrial park, and the examination of the trial and eventual execution of Ken Saro-Wiwa and eight others on November 10, 1995.

"More than ever before, we have made significant progress towards resolving the Ogoni crisis, within the past year and Mr. President should be commended for that. However, we do hope to see substantial progress in the industrial park, the issues surrounding execution of Ken Saro-Wiwa and others, and the issue of self determination for the Ogoni people as a distinct ethnic nationality within Nigeria."

He called on the Ogoni people to remain calm noting that while it may not be possible to address all issues affecting the people during this period, some level of progress can build the confidence of the people to move forward.

He further called on the government to take the concerns of the Ogoni people, and other ethnic nationalities seriously noting that neglecting the people could break down the progress achieved so far and cause a major setback in future.