The Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to initiate a thorough investigation into the alleged misappropriation of $300 million—roughly ₦480 billion—set aside for infrastructure and compensation projects in Ogoniland.
The fund, which reportedly originated from an out-of-court settlement involving the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC), was meant to support efforts to address decades of neglect and environmental degradation in the oil-producing Ogoni region of Rivers State.
MOSOP President, Fegalo Nsuke, speaking to journalists in Port Harcourt on Wednesday, accused some prominent Ogoni figures, working in alliance with powerful interests in Rivers State, of diverting the funds. He described the alleged theft as a grave betrayal of the Ogoni people and a serious blow to efforts at resolving the prolonged crisis in the area.
Nsuke said, “We believe the $300 million intended for Ogoni development was cornered by a few individuals. It’s a tragedy that this money, which could have brought real progress in areas like water supply, electricity, and education, has disappeared while the region remains underdeveloped.”
He lamented the federal government’s silence on the issue, stressing that such inaction raises doubts about its commitment to addressing the concerns of the Ogoni people.
According to Nsuke, evidence now available strongly supports claims that the funds never reached their intended purpose. He warned that unless a credible investigation is launched, the people of Ogoni would continue to suffer the consequences of corruption and neglect.
“The silence from government quarters is worrisome. This fund could have made a difference. Instead, greed has robbed our people of a better future,” he said. “If the authorities fail to act, it would only reinforce the perception that the Ogoni struggle is being ignored.”
He emphasized that reclaiming the missing funds would not only bring some relief to affected communities but also help pave the way for lasting peace in the region.
Nsuke added, “Resolving the Ogoni crisis begins with transparency and justice. The first step is to find out what happened to this development fund and ensure those responsible are held accountable. We need that money returned and used for the purpose it was intended.”
He warned that failure to act would be seen as complicity in the injustice.
“People now know that the funds were provided, and they are asking questions. It is unacceptable that money meant for social development ended up in private hands,” he said. “Ogoni deserves more than silence and broken promises. The time to act is now.”
Leave a Reply