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Nigerians Remain Dispossessed After 64 Years of Independence
Nigerians Remain Dispossessed After 64 Years of Independence
By Owei Lakemfa
Nigerians remain dispossessed after 64 years of independence, by Owei Lakemfa
Events of monumental proportions are happening in the world. The assassination of Hezbollah leader, Hassan Nasarallah, may signal the commencement of all-out war in the Middle East.
Those who love conquest would celebrate his elimination. Those who seek peace would recognise that his death drives humanity closer to an avoidable war.
Since we all agree that we now live in a global village, we should be concerned about such events in the world. But Nigerians are not prepared for such a fall-out.
Surely we have Nigerians living in Lebanon who would need protection. But we have no ambassador there who can protect out interest or keep us well informed. We also have no ambassador in Israel who can advance our interest.
Definitely, this is a proxy war in which the United States and its allies like France and Britain are providing Israel with logistics and timely intelligence which has always given it an advantage in armed conflicts with its neigbours. But we do not have ambassadors in any of those countries who can advance our views and interests. Nor do we have in Iran which is providing logistics and support for Hezbollah.
In fact, we have no ambassador anywhere in the world except in the United Nations system and Niger Republic.
Tragically, our best diplomats are at home, rotting away behind bare office desks, waiting to be posted. After one year of waiting, some of them may never make it to the pinnacle of their career as retirement may catch up with them.
Yes, the Tinubu administration has a Four-D foreign policy of Development, Demography, Democracy and Diaspora, but without ambassadors in a competitive world to make our case in various countries? We are concerned about Diaspora, but leave our citizens in all countries like sheep without shepherd. Then we stroll to the UN General Assembly podium to say we want to be a Permanent Member of the Security Council. Who will take us serious?
What is quite painful in this is that it was quite avoidable. We had ambassadors across the world when President Bola Tinubu was sworn in on May 29, 2023. After about four months, he recalled all of them with the perceived intention of replacing them. Now over one year later, he has either been incapable of doing so, or has not had the time. Why such self-inflicted injury by the so-called Giant of Africa?
It is also unlikely that this wound can be well treated this year because currently, the focus of the world is on UNGA, then our 64th Independence Anniversary and, we are approaching Christmas season or end-of-year activities. Again, even if new ambassadors are appointed today, they will need to undergo screening by the Senate, training and a period of acceptance by the receiving countries.
So, effectively, Nigerians are orphaned on the international stage.
We are also dispossessed in the country. Nigerians are a mass of alienated, hungry and angry people in a country so richly endowed with resources, including oil and gas and, unarguably, some of the best brains in the world.
We do not add value to our products like oil, are incapable of repairing existing refineries, yet go about destroying what are called ‘illegal’ refineries. In the last one year, the cost of petrol has gone up at least 400 per cent, yet we have to queue for hours to buy the product. We find ourselves being played like football between the new Dangote Refinery and the Federal Government. Talking about the latter, we live a lie that we have a federal system when what we run is a unitary system. A political system in which no group or nationality is happy or at ease.
Another lie is that we run a democracy when we are incapable of even conducting a state election successfully. We just had an election in Edo State where victory went to the highest bidder with ‘federal might’.
We know that the monthly allowances distributed in the National Assembly are illegal, that the constituency projects cannot stand the most rudimentary scrutiny and that our annual budgets are padded, yet we expect the same body to carry out oversight functions. Can a compromised National Assembly check the Executive or call public officials to order?
What, for me, is the most worrying is the growing insecurity in the land with terrorists, bandits and separatists over- running vast swathes of the country. But rather than concentrate on this serious challenge to life and property and the very existence of the country, the military is bogged down with diversions such as stopping public protests on the state of the country. Worse still, the generals bog themselves down with the conduct of elections. What was the business of the Chief of Defence Staff with the state election in Edo? What threat existed there that the police or Civil Defence could not handle? The misuse of the military for civil matters is a danger to the country’s democratic process.
The state of insecurity has become even more frightening after various accusations were made against the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle. Those making the accusations include the Governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal, who accused his predecessor of keeping bandits in the Government House and receiving ransom on their behalf. Yet, all Matawalle could do was to swear by the Quoran.
Every aspect of our national life is down. The education sector is virtually in comatose and the cries of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, about the sorry state of education in the country does not appear to have receptive ears in government.
As for the people, all they experience are astronomical increases in the prices of goods and services, more taxes and higher tariff for poorer services like electricity.
The country is in a mess and the government must know that people are no longer listening to the trite that things will get worse before they get better. That has been the sing-song of virtually every government since the overthrow of the Shagari administration on December 31, 1983.
Nigerians are a dispossessed people both abroad and at home. We need to review our policies, programmes and governance system. Africans say when a child trips and falls, he looks forward to see if there is anybody coming to help him, but when an elder trips and falls, he looks back to see what tripped him. After 64 years, we should look back to see why we are down. The Tinubu government should reassess its programmes and policies. To do this effectively, he needs to put together intellectually-endowed patriots who do not need his patronage. This advisory body can bridge the yawning gap between the government and the people.
Source: Vanguard News
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