As Shell Plans To Quit, Niger Delta Group Approaches British Govt, Sets Agenda
4 min read
Edith CHUKU
As the Shell Petroleum Development Company SPDC plans to leave Nigeria, the Movement for the Survival of the Izon Ethnic Nationality in the Niger Delta MOSIEND, has asked that they look into the demands of Ijaw communities and other interest groups.
MOSIEND made this request on Wednesday, in an address presented by the National President, Mr. Kennedy Tonjo-West, during a courtesy visit to the Head, British High Commission, Mr. Fortune Alfred, in Port Harcourt.
The renowned socio-cultural pressure group in the oil rich Niger Delta region urged the SPDC to take into account the position of the Nigerian government and dialogue with Ijaw communities and other interest groups in order to arrive at a win-win situation before handing over.
The address as made available to TNN read: “On behalf of my team here, the leadership and teeming members of MOSIEND, I wish to express our profound gratitude on your approval of this visit at a time like this, in view of your ever busy schedule as Head of this Commission, Sir, we do not take it for granted. We say thank you.
“We use this opportunity to formally congratulate His Majesty, King Charles III, King of the United Kingdom on his ascension to the revered throne of his forbares, we pray for him to be endowed with wisdom, strength and longevity and that his reign will witness increased peace in the global community and unity and prosperity in the United Kingdom.
“We also commend His Excellency, Dr. Richard Montgomery, the British High Commissioner to Nigeria for his far reaching engagements with State Governors and key stakeholders, in pursuit of stronger diplomatic ties, promoting developmental policies and a peaceful and healthy environment, ideal for human habitation and business growth.”
They explained that “the presence of the Commission here in Port Harcourt, the heart of the Niger Delta, is indeed a confidence booster and with you at the helm of affairs has brought our welfare concerns as people of the region, closer to the British Government and we believe it will help in putting in proper perspective the region and it’s people.
“Sir, Movement for the Survival of the Izon Ethnic Nationality in the Niger Delta (MOSIEND) is a socio-cultural/mass mobilisation organization, established on the 21st of March, 1993 to advocate for environmental justice, equity and fairness for the Izon Ethnic nationality and work in partnership with other ethnic nationalities in the Niger Delta region.
“On record, MOSIEND acted as the ground force during the formative stages of the Ijaw National Congress (INC) and was actively involved in the process for the creation of Bayelsa State and initiated the gathering that gave birth to the famous Kaiama Declaration which In-turn led to the formation of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC). MOSIEND is a forerunner of modern day advocacy, a pressure group with a rich intellectual base and even wrote a Charter in September, 1993 to Embassies and High Commissions in Nigeria.”
MOSIEND further appreciated “the immense contribution of the British Government towards the socio-cultural, economic advancement and political stability of Nigeria and it cannot be overemphasized, we also deeply appreciate the sponsorship of developmental programs, such as gender, education, entrepreneurship, health, democracy etc., for it has greatly improved the quality of living of citizens, across the country.
“We also use this medium to stretch our hand of partnership to your government to be included in your regional and national activities for we are sure of being of tremendous value.
“Sir, considering the long relationship the British Government has had with the Ijaw and other nationalities in the region, spanning centuries, we urge the British Government to advise the British concern, Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) to look into the demands of Ijaw communities and other interest groups, taking into account, the position of the Nigerian Government and dialogue some more with them in order to arrive at a win-win situation before handing over.
Finally, they appealed to the British Government to “relax the red flag placed periodically on the Niger Delta region so that it can serve as boosters to the economy of the region and further better the life of its citizens. Once again, we thank you for this opportunity granted to us. God bless us all.”
