WE LOST IT, WHILE WE HAD IT; NIGER DELTANS IN VIEW.

By Samuel Benedict Jumbo

The Bible is one comprehensive book that surpasses any human understanding despite the controversies surrounding its compilation. For instance, 1 Timothy 6:10, elaborates how the love of money can lead many into diverse kinds of evil and the betrayal of one’s conscience.

 

Once upon a time in history, we, the people of the Niger Delta region, were known around the world for agitating for the control of our resources having been marginalised for a long period of time. We fought, cried, lamented and got crucified many at times which caused the international community to sympathize with us and joined, maybe not directly, the campaign of “allow them control their resources or better still, develop the Niger Delta region”.

Vandalising oil installations in the creeks of the Niger Delta was a way of drawing Federal Government’s attention. Somehow, at the point when government and the world began focusing on us, the narrative changed. Obviously, when the value of a thing is not known, abuse is inevitable.

Using Bonny as a case study, this change saw the emergence of “Okoloma Ikpangi”. This resulted in the initiation of our youths into cultism. Pregnant women were raped, little babies thrown into the sea, fathers were forced to make love to their daughters at gunpoint (what an abominable act by those who claim to be fighting for the Niger Delta), innocent blood spilled on the shores of our sea and so on so forth.

The question then was, “who are these people fighting for?” Same can be likened to the Boko Haram of today who kill themselves claiming to be fighting against Western education...

Believe it or not, this cry caused Obasanjo to orchestrate the famous merger of Yar'Adua and Jonathan in the 2007 Presidential bid to run the nation. The merger that combined minority and majority which many never dreamt of happening but then, it did and as God will have it, it came to pass.

Our Ijaw leaders were carried away by the euphoria of excitement when in 2011 Jonathan was elected the President of Nigeria. Instead of strengthening the struggle for the control of our resources, they rather got involved in the transfer of Ghana-must-go bags, flying in and out of the country, entering Abuja day in day out. Prophets kept prophesying depending on the largeness of their bank accounts, little or nothing was heard from them about the struggle.

When Orubebe staged his infamous drama at the National Collation Centre, Abuja during the announcement of the 2015 Presidential Elections results he understood what was about slipping away from us. He didn't shout because he wanted to, but because he knew we never utilised our opportunity and against our thinking, he imagined we may never have a second chance. No! Not with former President Jonathan. Then he became sober.

Jonathan himself realised this and simply conceded defeat. In one of his campaign lines, he said "I know I've not really done anything for the people of my region but vote for me this second coming and I'll make heaven come down for the Niger Deltans". Which means that we were left in the dark all through the years our Son and In-Law led us as President. Little wonder the controversial but wise Obasanjo made a statement of recent "Jonathan has denied the people of his region the opportunity to get to the apex of Power anytime soon".

No doubt that Jonathan himself is a good man who allowed himself to be used by those he surrounded himself with. However, it takes both a good and a bad man to lead Nigeria at this point in time” (Obasanjo, 2013).

WHO OWNS NIGERIA?

This is one question many have failed to answer, and some who dare answer it, sectionalize the ownership of the nation. Until Nigeria is divided into two, three or thereabout, the Nation belongs to all of us (Hausa, Igbo, Fulani, Yoruba, and if you like the Ijaws).

This was what we as Niger Deltans (minorities) failed to understand. Instead of appealing to the conscience of those who constitute majority as long as this nation will continue to be one to vote us back into power, we sectionalised the campaign processes using brotherhood as a yardstick instead of campaigning as brothers from same Nation. What then do you expect the Northerners to do? Abandon their own?

One of us went as far as stating that "He'll champion the fight to divide Nigeria if former President Jonathan fails at the polls". What arrant rubbish? Now, where is he and others who boasted of using dynamites to destroy Nigeria?

I know where they are. Go to Abuja, you will see them lobbying to meet and congratulate Mr. President, commending every smile and fart of his. And when he refuses to give them the usual Ghana must go, they will re-turn, inciting hate in the heart of youths and surprisingly some of our elites to constitutes nuisance and disturb the society.

Since we've misplaced our priority as a people, I think and will suggest we champion the #BRINGBACKOURGIRLS campaign so as to undo Mr. President. We had the opportunity, but failed to utilise it rather waiting for a second chance. Like the Dettol advert says "If I don't take care of my child, who will?

My simple prayer is that God should avail us again the opportunity we had sooner than we expect. But to this end, your guess is as good as mine.

 

Samuel Benedict Jumbo, a graduate of International Relations from the Osun State University and Personal Assistant to the Chairman, Bonny Local Government Area, wrote in from Bonny.