The Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) has formally written to the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) to notify them of the withdrawal of Mr. Legborsi Saro Pyagbara and Prof. Ben Naanen from the HYPREP governing council.

In a letter dated February 6, 2019 and signed by the president of MOSOP, Fegalo Nsuke, MOSOP cited the decision of the Ogoni congress held on January 19 2019 during which a vote of no confidence was passed on both Naanen and Pyagbara and the resolution to withdraw them from the governing council were taken.

The letter warned HYPREP of the consequences of further dealings with Pyagbara and Naanen:

"By this communication further dealings with Pyagbara and Naanen in respect of Ogoni matters relating to the cleanup and/or HYPREP will be in their personal capacity and not as representatives of the Ogoni people on the council. We will communicate you on our decision regarding their replacements in due course."

Read the letter below

Withdrawal Of Pyagbara And Naanen From The HYPREP Governing Council

This letter communicates the decision of the Ogoni People to withdraw Legborsi Saro Pyagbara and Prof. Ben Naanen as Ogoni representatives on the Governing Council of HYPREP.

This decision was reached at a Congress held on January 19 2019 at the MOSOP National Secretariat, Bori. Congress resolved and passed a no confidence vote on the duo and decided to withdraw them from representing the Ogoni people on the council.

By this communication further dealings with Pyagbara and Naanen in respect of Ogoni matters relating to the cleanup and HYPREP will be in their personal capacity and not as representatives of the Ogoni people on the council. We will communicate you on our decision regarding their replacements in due course.

Meanwhile, you may seek further information by contacting our office in Bori, Ogoniland or contact me directly via telephone through the number underneath.