CHICOCO RESPONSE TO MOSOP PRESS STATEMENT

[lynx@gn.apc.org]

  The attention of the Chicoco Movement has been drawn to the MOSOP press
  statement of 03/10/97, received on the 09/10/97, wherein it is stated that
  the Chicoco Movement claimed to be an umbrella organisation of which MOSOP
  is a member. This is a falsehood and the comment is embarassing to say the
  least. We wish to state that at no time has the Chicoco Movement by way of
  its publications or statements made such a claim. The Chicoco Movement is a
  resistant movement against environmental degradation and for the rights of
  minorities, with a pan-Niger Delta outlook. However we make bold to say that
  at the launching of the movement in Aleibiri on the 17th day of August,
  1997, many organisations were present to give solidarity speeches, amongst
  which was MOSOP represented by Mr Patrick Naagbaton.
  
  If by any chance MOSOP is opposed to the idea of one of its representatives
  giving a solidarity speech at such an occasion we would be glad to note such
  an objection.
  
  09/10/97
  
  Uche Onyeagucha
  Member Strategy Committee-CHICOCO MOVEMENT.
  
  
  
  At 13:55 09/10/97 -0400, The Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People -
  UK wrote:
  >
  >STATEMENT
  >
  >The attention of MOSOP has been drawn to recent publications in both local
  >and foreign Newspapers about the formation of an umbrella organisation
  >called CHICOCO, a supposedly umbrella organisation uniting several
  >organisations including MOSOP.
  >
  >MOSOP states that it has neither been contacted nor informed about the
  >formation of the said organisation nor is it aware of its aims, principles
  >or strategies.  MOSOP therefore states for the avoidance of doubt that it
  >is NOT part of the said CHICOCO organisation or initiative.
  >
  >MOSOP further maintains that, as a democratic mass movement committed to
  >non-violence, it is prepared, as always, to co-operate and work with all
  >genuine groups with similar aims and objectives.  MOSOP would, however,
  >wish to advise any group to locate legitimacy through real and effective
  >presence amongst, and mandate of the people whose interests it claims to
  >represent, instead of through the pages of newspapers and false association
  >with the name of MOSOP, the Ogoni people or our slain leader Ken Saro-Wiwa.
  >
  >
  >DATED THIS 3RD DAY OF OCTOBER 1997
  >
  >LEDUM MITEE
  >Acting President, MOSOP
  >
  >
  >
   
   
  (lynx@gn.apc.org)