The Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) and the Ogoni Liberation Initiative (OLI) have sharply criticized the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, over his recent comments on resuming oil production in Ogoni. The groups described Ribadu’s remarks as insensitive and damaging to the ongoing healing efforts by the Ogoni community.

Speaking on behalf of both organizations, MOSOP President Fegalo Nsuke said, “The NSA’s comments were unfortunate and had elements of provocation. He should have known about the sensitive nature of the issue of oil production in Ogoni and how seriously the Ogoni people take it.”

Nsuke stressed that the Ogoni people are still recovering from decades of repression and environmental degradation, and urged deeper consultations before any attempt to resume oil extraction. “The issue of resuming oil production in Ogoni, being very sensitive, needs to be handled with deeper consultations to address the underlying problems first, before we proceed,” he said.

He expressed concern that the NSA’s authoritative stance ignores the realities of the Ogoni struggle, noting, “When I heard the NSA’s comments, I was wondering if he was speaking of the oil in Adamawa or if he was actually speaking of the oil in my Ogoni country.”

Recalling the painful history of the Ogoni people, Nsuke highlighted the devastating toll: “By 1999, at least 30 Ogoni villages were destroyed and some 4,000 Ogonis had lost their lives in the struggle for justice.” He added, “What MOSOP and the OLI are asking for are basic rights and justice for the living and for the dead, and it is only natural to resist every move made by government to resume oil production without corresponding actions to address these injustices.”

Nsuke urged the federal government to pursue dialogue and peaceful solutions, cautioning against the use of force that could undermine hard-won progress. “We should consider a proper dialogue especially, in the Ogoni case, where we have all shown willingness to talk,” he concluded.

The Ogoni community’s resistance follows resolutions from the November 2024 Ogoni Congress and the January 2025 Ogoni National Assembly, both rejecting any forceful resumption of oil activities.

MOSOP and OLI’s reaction underscores the ongoing tensions between the federal government and Ogoni people over oil resource control, environmental justice, and historical grievances.