By Desmond Ejibas
Port Harcourt – Mr Andah Wai-Ogosu has been elected as the President of the Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People (MOSOP) following years of leadership crises that fractionalized the group.
MOSOP, a socio-cultural organisation based in Rivers, has been advocating for greater control of crude oil from the region and the cleanup of decades-long oil spillages in Ogoni communities.
Wai-Ogosu emerged victorious in the election with 52 votes, defeating his sole opponent, Dr Fortune Okwah, who received two votes.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Wai-Ogosu was elected to serve a five-year term alongside Mrs Susan Serekara-Nwikhana, Chief Nasikpo Nyiedha (Secretary) and Nubara Saatah (Assistant Secretary) in the new executive.
Other elected officials include Chief Miigbara Wilfred (Financial Secretary), Chief Theophilus Dike (Treasurer), Saviour Imeabe (Publicity Secretary) and Nkiri Celestine (Legal Adviser).
In his inaugural address after taking office in Port Harcourt on Thursday, Wai-Ogosu expressed gratitude for the trust placed in them by the Ogoni people.
He pledged to collaborate with all stakeholders to revitalize the group and meet the expectations of the Ogoni community.
“We are elated that this whole squabble (in MOSOP) has come to an end today, which is the joint effort of the entire Ogoni people.
“This event culminated today, after the Ogoni people convoked a congress to address the issues and chart a way forward for MOSOP.
“So, my assignment is going to be hard and tedious, but with spirited commitment and the entire people behind us, we will deliver on their expectations,” he said.
Wai-Ogosu assured that the new leadership, leveraging their professional expertise and grassroots understanding, would make significant strides in the Ogoni cause.
“We will work towards ensuring economic well-being of our people and bring to the limelight our challenges to Nigeria and the international community.
“We are ready to engage with the government for the development of Ogoniland while uniting and bringing Ogonis back to the limelight.
“We will, therefore, engage all stakeholders, especially those perceived to be aggrieved, to chart a course for development and progress of Ogoniland.
Dr Abraham Onugwe, the Chairman of the Electoral Committee, commended the election process for bringing an end to years of leadership disputes within MOSOP.
He said the six kingdoms and two special areas that make up the Ogoni communities participated in the election that produced the new executives.
“The turn out for the election was impressive and the process smooth and credible with the delegates providing full cooperation.
“Election is now over, and so, I urged the Ogoni people to support the new leadership for our collective progress,” he advised.
The outgone President of MOSOP, Legborsi Pyagbara, welcomed the new executive team, urging them to serve the people and build on the organization’s legacy.
He urged the Wai-Ogosu-led exco to use their new positions to serve the people, to consolidate on the legacies of the past leaders of MOSOP.
“However, the executives must prioritize the issue of reconciling all members and fostering inclusivity among the Ogoni people,” he emphasized.
