Leader of the UN Environment Technical team, Mike Cowing in a chat with HYPREP Project Coordinator, Dr Marvin Dekil, at a meeting between the two bodies.

The Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) has warned the public to be wary of fraudsters going about selling fake forms allegedly from the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Programme (HYPREP) with assurances of offering them jobs there.

The organization dissociated itself from such development, warning members of the public against patronizing such unscrupulous elements.

A statement by MOSOP’s Publicity Secretary, Sunny Zorvah, noted that “it is our information that these unscrupulous elements are claiming to be leaders and members of MOSOP, with the mandate to sell the HYPREP’s employment forms and coordinate the recruitment process for our people.”

“MOSOP completely dissociates herself from these fraudulent activities and calls on security agencies to quickly swing into action and arrest all those engaged in any form of illegal sale, distribution and collection of forms or mobilization of people for participation in this economic fraud.”

MOSOP also called on the people of Ogoni and the general public not only to discountenance any information or invitation for collection of HYPREP’s employment forms but report anyone who engages in these acts to the security agencies.

It stated emphatically that there was no such employment exercise for now and MOSOP has not been contacted or mandated to carry out such exercise on behalf of HYPREP.

MOSOP explained that it was aware of plans by HYPREP to put in place a comprehensive strategic action plan and more result-oriented process in the implementation of all aspects of the UNEP Recommendations regarding the clean-up exercise.

It further informed that it will duly communicate the agency’s actions and programmes through its relevant department to the public as required, but not through unverifiable and fraudulent means.

“We reiterate our non-involvement in the sale and distribution of forms, collection of money for employment and dissemination of false information on alleged recruitment of staff or contractors on the cleanup project. It’s a scam.”

MOSOP, however, will not renege in her responsibility of speaking for and protecting the interest of the people of Ogoni. We would continue to engage the leadership of HYPREP and government in ensuring that the proper things are done and the people and respective communities are fully involved in the exercise.