Forum of Chapter Leaders of the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People ((MOSOP) recently embarked on a protest calling for a change in the leadership of the Movement.

The Forum is alarmed that although the tenure of the present headship of MOSOP ends on December 31, 2018, the leadership has not made any move to call for elections but instead, the president, Legborsi Pyagbara, has opted to frustrate the conduct of elections in order to possibly elongate his tenure.

A statement issued on Thursday by MOSOP Chapter Leaders, signed on behalf of the Forum by Chief Sunday Ndee; Comrade Bakor Bob Maxwell; Comrade Nnah Barikor; Comrade Gbenenee Friday; Comrade Doneh Dum Foster; Chief Engr. Friday S. Eedee; and Pastor Obidiah Ade-e Baah said that as demanded by the constitution, elections should be conducted to usher in a new leadership,” adding, “unfortunately this has not been done.”

“Today, we embark on this very peaceful and public protest to draw attention to the precarious and unacceptable situation within the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People where the current leadership under Legborsi Saro Pyagbara has attempted to turn tyrannical and disregard the constitution of MOSOP and its democratic principles.

“We as the chapter leaders of MOSOP, representing over 200 Ogoni communities and coordinators of the activities of MOSOP in all Ogoni villages, do hereby condemn this move and call for the election processes to commence immediately. “We affirm our commitment and determination to protect the constitution of MOSOP and to advance the rights of the Ogoni people as demanded in the Ogoni Bill of Rights,” the Forum noted.

It warned, “If within three days from today, an electoral committee is not constituted by the Steering Committee, we will take further peaceful steps to protect our rights to choose our leaders.”

“We thank you and urge you all to continue to stand by us and our people as we move to ensure that the sacrifices of our martyrs do not go in vain,” the chapter leaders declared.