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SOUTH-SOUTH DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION: GOOD FOR THE REGION, NOT THE BEST FOR IJAW NATION
SOUTH-SOUTH DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION: GOOD FOR THE REGION, NOT THE BEST FOR IJAW NATION
By Tobouke JEMINE
My recent intimation with a video clip of the
the immediate past Governor of Bayelsa State and current Senator Representing Bayelsa West, Chief Henry Seriake Dickson, in which he was advocating for the establishment of a South-South Development Commission, chased the natural guest of the night from my bedroom — an issue I’ve often pondered.
Sen. Dickson eloquently clarified that Commissions like OMPADEC and the NDDC were established to meet the demands of resource-based areas, and went on to cite states like Abia, Imo, and Ondo, which are not part of the South-South region, but are beneficiaries of commissions like the NDDC.
Our legislators may give their stamp of approval to this Bill. But I do not think that, at this point, South-South Development Commission should be prioritized by the Izon-blooded Legislators in the national halls of lawmakers. I see something better, and I hope, they will see something far better.
I take this diversion from the Templates of Our Socio-Political and Economic History. HISTORY is replete with the enormous sacrifices the IJAW NATION has been making on behalf of the ethnic nationalities in the SOUTH-SOUTH and the NIGERDELTA as a whole, right from the days of anti-colonialism. Our revered father, Chief Harold Dappa-Biriye was in his twenties when he began to fight the cause of the minorities of the Niger-Delta.
Pa Dappa-Biriye was a prominent figure in the fight for minority rights in the Niger Delta region. He founded the Niger Delta Congress, a socio-political organization aimed at uniting the ethnic nationalities of the Niger Delta to achieve economic and political autonomy . In response to the agitations he spearheaded, in 1957, the British Government appointed Sir Henry Willink, a British lawyer and constitutional expert to look into the concerns and fears of the minorities of the emerging nation.
The establishment of the Niger Delta Development Board and the creation of Rivers State in 1967 were offsprings of the sweats and blood of the Harold Dappa-Biriyes, and the Isaac Boros of the Ijaw Nation. They championed the rights of all the ethnic groups in the Niger Delta.
Adaka Boro did not call his Fidel-Castroic dream Ijaw Republic, but he called its THE NIGER-DELTA REPUBLIC, giving emphatic facts to the Fact that the IJAW MAN is accommodating, hospitable, and inclusive in his socio-political orientation. But have we being receiving symbiotic responses for our age- long brotherly kindness?
Consider the civil and environmental rights movement of Kenule Saro-Wiwa! His legacy is tied to the struggles of the Ogoni people. His identification with the plights and agonies of the Ogonis, rather than the broader Niger Delta region did immense justice to the Ogoni Bill of Rights. The Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP), gained international recognition because Saro-Wiwa was visionary, focused, specific and single-coloured in his strides for the Survival and Liberty of his people.
That Ogoniland is still in the wilderness is not the making of Saro-Wiwa, but the making of men and women who are not brave enough, who are not willing to respond to the mantle of Ken Saro-Wiwa.
But my main task here is to point out that the IJAW NATION SHOULD PRIORITIZE SOCIO-ECONOMIC AND POLITICAL DEVELOPMENT UNDER THE IJAW IDENTITY, rather than solely associating with the broader Niger Delta or South-South regions. This distinction would allow the Ijaw people to address their unique challenges and advocate for their specific interests.
Today, we can tell that all the agencies that the Nigerian government has been creating to address our challenges and plights, even before the British flag was hoisted, have yielded no sustainable results in our lives and lands; our neighbours who did not identify with our lethal agitation for freedom and development are now fighting to occupy the Oval Office of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, and We’ve been mocked and relegated to the back pew in Rivers — a state that flowed into existence through our rivers and rivulets of sweats and blood.
Caution: shouldn’t we re-assess our actions, retrace our steps, return to our ancestral harmony, ocean of sagacity and put the IZON HOUSE inorder before we continue to play the Big Brother role in the affairs of the Niger Delta and the South-South?
WE SHOULD AGITATE FOR RIVERINE NIGER DELTA DEVELOPMENT MINISTRY.
Or better still, to be more specific, RIVERINE NIGER-DELTA INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION.
To the Ijaw Nation, I say this, and you do not need to be told that 95% of Ijaw People live in the aquatic, marine, littoral, and coastal regions of the earth of Africa.
But establishing Aquatic Niger Delta Development Commission is a first-layer solution to the developmental challenges of Ijawland. The lack of infrastructures in our communities cannot be effectively tackled by the realities in the Nigerian system. STATE creation and the implementations of the Recommendations of the Mitee-Led Technical Committee on the Niger Delta are the PANACEA to our plights.
If, in this nation, a people are clamouring for a Separate Sun for the East, what strong reasons do we have not to seek and knock for the righteousness of Toru-Ebe and Oil Rivers States? But we are here in the name of Development Commission…
Hence, we appeal to the Sen.Seriake Dicksons of Bayelsa West, the Hon. Donald Ojogos of Ilaje/Ese-Odo Federal Constituency in Ondo State, the Sen. Ipalibo Banigos of Rivers West Senatorial District, the Hon. Julius Pondis of Burutu Federal Constituency in Delta State, and their legislative comrades across the creeks and wetlands of the Niger Delta to work in unison and bring this Great Bill into fruition.
Justice!Peace!!! Progress!!! for Ijaw Nation.
© Tobouke Jemine
October 4, 2024
In the realm of the Niger Delta, where the mighty rivers flow and the Atlantic Ocean’s waves crash against the shore, a legendary entity has emerged to safeguard the nation’s maritime interests. Tantita, a name synonymous with protection and vigilance, has become the embodiment of maritime and economic security in Nigeria.
Tantita’s significance extends far beyond its role as a mere maritime security agency. It is a power of hope, a shining example of Nigeria’s determination to protect its waters and harness its economic potential. With its unbending commitment to security and stability, Tantita has become the guardian of Nigeria’s maritime realm, ensuring the safe passage of vessels and the uninterrupted flow of commerce.
Tantita’s impact on Nigeria’s economy cannot be overstated. By protecting the nation’s maritime assets and preventing piracy, oil theft, and other illicit activities, Tantita has helped to safeguard the country’s economic lifeline. The agency’s efforts have ensured the continued flow of oil and gas revenues, which are vital to Nigeria’s economic well-being.
Its significance extends beyond the realm of economics. It is a symbol of national pride, a testament to Nigeria’s ability to protect its sovereignty and defend its interests. The agency’s personnel: Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, Chairman, Mathew Tonlagha, Vice Chairman, Chief Kestin Pondi, the Managing Director and Tare Pondi, General Manager Operations and Technical, are the unsung heroes of Nigeria’s maritime domain, working tirelessly to ensure the security and stability of the nation’s waters.
The federal government should disregard the evil cry of satanic forces against Tantita and instead, continue to support the agency’s efforts to protect Nigeria’s maritime interests. Tantita’s work is crucial to the nation’s economic survival, and any attempts to undermine its efforts would be detrimental to the country’s well-being.
As we celebrate Tantita’s significance, we must also acknowledge the challenges that lie ahead. The agency requires continued support and resources to effectively discharge its mandate. We must rally behind Tantita, providing it with the necessary tools and equipment to carry out its duties. By doing so, we can ensure the continued security and stability of Nigeria’s maritime domain and pave the way for a brighter economic future.
I hold strongly, that Tantita is more than just a maritime security agency; it is a guardian of Nigeria’s economic interests, a symbol of national pride, and a legendary hope for the nation’s future. Its significance cannot be overstated, and its efforts will continue to shape Nigeria’s economic destiny.
Prof. BEN BINEBAI
In a grand gesture of benevolence, His Excellency, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, has bestowed upon the land a monumental decree, approving a staggering N275 billion worth of transformative projects. This majestic initiative promises to reshape the very fabric of Delta State, ushering in an era of unprecedented growth and prosperity.
The Governor’s visionary leadership has yielded a cascade of innovative endeavours, designed to elevate the lives of Delta State’s citizens. Some of the key projects include:
Two brand-new flyovers shall pierce the skies, one at Uromi Junction, a haven of progress in Ika, and the other at Otovwodo Junction, a beacon of hope in Ughelli. These structures shall not only ease trafficy congestion but also symbolize the Governor’s commitment to modernizing Delta State’s infrastructure.
A multitude of road projects shall crisscross Delta State, connecting key communities and fostering a spirit of unity and cooperation. These roads shall facilitate the movement of goods and services, stimulate economic growth, and improve the overall quality of life for Delta State’s citizens.
Critical hospital equipment shall be bestowed upon medical facilities, ensuring the well-being of Delta State’s subjects. This initiative shall enhance the state’s healthcare system, providing citizens with access to quality medical care and treatment.
Rural electrification projects shall bring light to the darkest corners of the realm, kindling a new era of productivity and growth. This initiative shall empower rural communities, stimulate economic activity, and improve the overall standard of living for Delta State’s citizens.
These bold initiatives, born from the wisdom of Governor Oborevwori’s leadership, shall transform Delta State, unlocking its true potential and securing a brighter future for generations to come. The people of Delta State shall rejoice, knowing that their Governor prioritizes their welfare and prosperity above all else.
As Delta State embarks on this journey of transformation, the Governor’s resolve remains unwavering. With a focus on transparency, accountability, and inclusive governance, His Excellency shall guide Delta State toward a future where progress knows no bounds. The Governor’s commitment to the people of Delta State is evident in his tireless efforts to improve their lives and create a more prosperous and equitable society.
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s N275 billion development drive is a testament to his visionary leadership and commitment to the welfare and prosperity of Delta State’s citizens. These transformative projects shall reshape the state’s infrastructure, economy, and social fabric, ushering in a new era of growth, prosperity, and development. State’infrastructure,economy, and social fabric, ushering in a new era of growth, prosperity, and development.
Ben Binebai, Special Guest Columnist
For the attention of Bola Tinubu led Federal Government.
As the gods of old once decreed, the fate of nations hangs in the balance, awaiting the stroke of justice and equity. The creation of Toru-Ebe State is a divine imperative, a sacred mandate that echoes through the firmament, beckoning the attention of mortals and immortals alike. Like a mighty river bursting its banks, the collective voice of the Ijaw people thunders forth, demanding recognition and representation.
In this momentous hour, the very fabric of destiny trembles with anticipation. The stars align in propitious conjunction, signaling the dawn of a new era for the Niger Delta. The winds of change whisper secrets to the trees, as the earth itself begins to stir with the promise of renewal. The time for Toru-Ebe State is a time of reckoning, a moment when the threads of history are woven anew, and the fate of a people is forever sealed.
Toru-Ebe State creation stands as the authentic and lasting solution to the Ijaw people’s generational problems of balkanisation and political oppression. It is the key that unlocks the shackles of marginalisation, freeing the Ijaw nation from the chains of historical injustices. Toru-Ebe State will herald a new dawn of unity, purpose, and collective prosperity for the Ijaw people.
Let the clarion call of Toru-Ebe resound across the land, a celestial cry that shakes the foundations of power and awakens the slumbering giants of justice and equity. May the gods of the land smile upon this noble endeavour, guiding the hands of those who shape the destiny of nations. The creation of Toru-Ebe State is not merely a mortal desire; it is a divine necessity, a testament to the indomitable will of a people who refuse to be silenced.
Ben Binebai,
Special Guest Columnist