The Forum of Chapter Leaders of the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) has expressed shock and disapproval at the disposition of the “current and outgoing president of MOSOP Legborsi Saro Pyagbara over his use of disdainful language on us in his reaction to our protest of Thursday, October 4, 2018 during which we expressed our disappointment in his leadership and called for elections which are overdue and a constitutional provision.”

A statement signed by Sir Barkor Maxwell Bob for the Forum of MOSOP Chapter Leaders said that “Pyagbara’s comments which described us as miscreants sponsored to foment trouble in Ogoniland was aired on Friday, October 5, 2018, during the 7.00am news on Port Harcourt radio, Rhythm 93.7 FM.

“We wish to state that although Pyagbara’s insults change nothing about our status in MOSOP and will not alter our commitment to the struggle of the Ogoni people for justice, we consider Pyagbara’s attack on us by the use of such derogatory language- ‘miscreants’, as very inappropriate and disdainful.

“We regret whatever reason that will warrant a president of MOSOP to so recklessly use such language on his own people simply because we called for elections which are overdue and have opted for a peaceful protest following his obstinacy and undemocratic tendencies,” the Forum said.

“Pyagbara’s reaction clearly expresses his disrespect for the human person and especially his own chapter leaders who have been the strength of the MOSOP he leads.

“For the records, we want to make it clear that we are the chapter leaders of MOSOP and we took to the streets to peacefully protest against Pyagbara’s disposition not to conduct elections in MOSOP as his tenure comes to an end in December 2018 and to reject the plan to extend the tenure, by whatever means, beyond December 2018 as provided for under the MOSOP constitution.

“We note that as a people, we have made enormous sacrifices to sustain the Ogoni struggle and as a group, we remain committed to the ideals of MOSOP.

“We further want the MOSOP president to note that our protest of Thursday, October 4, 2018, represents the wishes of the grassroots which we represent,” the Forum affirmed, adding: “We, therefore, want to make it clear that Ogoni people have spoken and we will stand by our words.”