DISSENSION
AMONGST THE ETHNIC MINORITIES IN THE NIGER DELTA
On Channels TV this morning
(22/6/2016), I watched a typical expression of what has given birth to the
Peoples Nationalist Movement. For the benefit of those who don’t know what the
movement stands for, the body is conceived by ordinary Nigerians to fight for
the unity of Nigeria not as it is presently managed but in love, justice and
equity for all in spite of ethnicity or religion.
The man was obviously incensed by the actions
of the Ijaws of the Niger Delta Avengers ‘fame’ in (according to him) Itsekiri
inhabited areas of Delta State. Khalil Oritsemeyiwa, an Itsekiri, profusely
asserted that the Ijaws were not the only ethnic group in the Niger Delta and
as only one out of about thirty other ethnic groups should not monopolize the
struggle in the Niger Delta region. He confirmed in words and insinuations that
there was no love lost between these ethnic minorities in the Niger Delta and
basically advocated for inclusion of other ethnic groups in the dialogue
proposed with the Federal Government.
This cacophony in areas
agitating for secession is the bedrock of the ideology of the Peoples
Nationalist Movement (ThePeNaMo). We have observed this in the Biafra, Oduduwa
and Arewa agitations for secession and it is the exact same situation; the
minorities within these enclaves do not speak in one voice and have no love or
tolerance for each other. We strongly believe that even if we create a country
per family, if we do not understand the formula to coexist in harmony by
practicing the principles of love anchored on equity, justice and inclusivity,
peace will still be a mirage. This is the formula for the peaceful and
harmonious co-existence of mankind in all scenarios! Isn’t it obvious when you
study all the Nations of the world in conflict?
Yes, there are very serious
issues of neglect in the Niger Delta and South East and citizens have an
inalienable right to agitate for attention but we don’t believe in secession or
destruction of our common patrimony. Rather, we in ThePeNaMo want Nigerians to
come together and advocate for Government attention in all the areas that need
development in a lawful manner. We should pressure the Government to be fair
and just in all its actions and in its application of all resources in the
federating regions. We can’t understand why a Northerner cannot advocate for the
development of the Niger Delta/South East or why a Southerner cannot advocate
for the rebuilding of the North East! We must resist leaders that promote
sectionalism and tribalism by speaking out. If they remain recalcitrant to our
prayers, we will organize ourselves and ensure they are voted out in the next
elections and I’m talking about at all the tiers of government cause nepotism
and favoritism is rife at all levels of government.
I have come across fair and good people in all
parts of this country and in both major Religions who buy into this ideology
because a fair person is a fair person and a selfish person is a selfish
person, ethnicity or religion not withstanding so these issues should not
divide discerning people. As a matter of fact, some Nigerians from the same
ethnic nationality with some of our Chief Executives are embarrassed by the
glaring favoritism of these their sons. We must identify great minds and
detribalized Nigerians to lead this Nation at all levels.
We can no longer afford to let
these leaders with Lilliputian minds of hate and prejudices ruin us further
with their pettiness and myopia. We in this movement, by the grace of God, will
thrive to speak out and resist evil and injustice wherever we find it – be it
in the North, South, East or West.
Long live our dear Country
Nigeria!!!!
Janet Ekong (Concerned Citizen
wrote from Abuja)
