The Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) has called on the Federal Government to adopt the peace and reconciliation framework used by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu in Ogoni as a template for resolving conflicts across Nigeria.
In a statement, the group commended Ribadu for his ability to coordinate a successful mediation process in the Niger Delta heartland, noting that his intervention has paved the way for a more stable future for the Ogoni community. The group believes this approach marks a departure from previous security strategies in the region.
“It is quite amazing to see that Mr Ribadu has been able to coordinate a reconciliation process in Ogoni successfully, and we are seeing the emergence of a new era and a brighter future for the Ogoni people,” the group stated.
Addressing national security challenges
The group’s endorsement of the reconciliation process in Ogoni comes at a time when Nigeria faces various internal security threats, including communal violence, banditry, and separatist agitations. MOSOP suggested that applying this mediation-led model to other restive regions could provide a more sustainable solution to the country’s security crises than traditional kinetic military operations.
For decades, the Ogoni region has been a focal point of tension between local communities, the Nigerian state, and multinational oil corporations. Agitations regarding environmental degradation and the demand for greater control over local resources have frequently led to instability. The successful mediation led by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) is seen by MOSOP as a significant shift toward addressing the underlying grievances that drive these conflicts.
By praising Ribadu’s role, MOSOP is advocating for a diplomatic approach to national security that prioritises community engagement and dialogue. This approach seeks to move beyond purely security-based crackdowns to foster long-term stability through negotiated settlements.
The Federal Government has yet to issue a formal response to the proposal to scale the Ogoni mediation model to other parts of the country.
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