The people of Ogoni ethnic nationality in Rivers State have elected a new national executive council to handle the affairs of the Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People (MOSOP).
The election followed a judgement of the Rivers State Customary Court of Appeal sitting in Port Harcourt, which directed the MOSOP Electoral Committee to proceed and finalise its electoral process for the executives to lead the organisation.
The organisation, in a statement signed by its newly elected publicity secretary, Comrade Imeabe Saviour Oscar, said in adherence to the ruling, the MOSOP Electoral Committee (MEC) conducted elections for vacant offices, including the national executive council, kingdom executive councils and the affiliates.
Imeabe said the development marked the end of splinter groups that have operated under the guise of MOSOP, thereby consolidating the unity of purpose within the Ogoni community.
The newly elected officials are Engr. Olu Andah Wai-Ogosu (president), Susan Lekara Serekara (deputy president), Chief Nasikpo Nyidedha Nledi (secretary-general) and Nubari Dominic Saatah (assistant secretary).
Others are Chief Migbara Wilfred Tanee (financial secretary), Theophilous Dike (treasurer), Comrade Imeabe Saviour Oscar (publicity secretary) and Barrister Nkiri Celestine Nornubari (legal adviser).
It said with the successful conclusion of the election process, it is evident that peace and unity have been restored among the leadership of MOSOP and the broader Ogoni ethnic nation.
The statement reads in part, “The newly elected executives of MOSOP seize the opportunity to extend an olive branch to all sons and daughters of Ogoni who may have previously been at odds with the vision of our founding fathers.
“We urge them to join hands with us in pursuit of peace and development for our communities. Divisions cannot build, it only destroys.
“As lovers of Ogoni, we urge all of us to join hands to build Ogoni to be an envy of other nations.
“The new MOSOP executives also extend our heartfelt gratitude to the people of Ogoni for their unwavering trust in our ability to steer the affairs of our organization during this pivotal moment in our history.
“We reaffirm our commitment to advocating for the interests of our people and serving as a catalyst for the development of Ogoni.
“We refuse to falter in our mission, for now is not the time to lower the flag of progress. Not in our time.”
