Ogoni Politicians, Leaders And Grassroots Should Unite For Success
If there is any time Ogonis, especially politicians should come together in the name of Ogoni and mobilize the grassroots for success, that time is now! True that people have differences and Ogonis aren't excluded. It's true also that people can have something in common that bind them than that different thing (e.g, beliefs, ideology or views and parties) which separate and divide them. That common denominator that encompasses all ideologies, beliefs or views and parties is OGONI!
The Ogoni nationality in Nigeria has lost out in everything-no state creation. Meaning no Bori State that was a huge hope; no environmental cleanup, no water, electricity, good schools, healthcare and other development. And no compensation of any sort. Ogoni languages are gradually dying for lack of development. Ogoni is in serious trouble; it's in trouble waters and needs emergency rescue else the people will suffocate and perish!
All that matters and others have except Ogoni is political power. Ogonis need a plan and particularly that which should grant political power at least in Rivers State considering the group's number and assuming actual voting counts in Nigeria. Whether it counts or not Ogonis should come together, unite, agree, plan and strategize for good. Ogonis should play their parts and then, demand that their votes count.
I'm therefore appealing to and pleading with Ogoni politicians and leaders, all and sundry that the time to put differences aside: party politics, church differences, village and kingdom disagreements and all that, then join one party through which victory can be delivered and a demonstration of unique leadership style and qualities that will benefit Rivers State is now!
If there is any disagreement or misunderstanding among Ogonis, they must understand, forgive and forget in the name of Ogoni and generations unborn, join forces if true they're vexed for the mistreatment so meted else there shall be no one from another ethnic group or government to blame.
If Ogoni politicians, MOSOP, other leaders and members of civil society groups truly care and feel the pain Ogoni has been forced to endure, they must rise up beyond sentiments, mobilize the grassroots and forge a common and stronger front and be victorious. Even where victory isn't on their side, their work should vindicate them and they'd be satisfied that they've done their best.
If Ogonis have realized the problems facing them and year after year keeps making the same mistake of allowing party and these not-good outside politicians to deceive and divide them and after they've granted their support by voting for them and they control power they dump Ogoni to its pitiable and unfortunate fate. Then who shall they continue to blame for their marginalization? No one but Ogonis, and politicians in particular.
Like I've argued on Niger delta oil being shared among the rest of the country as though it's their right. I'm blaming Niger deltans for continuing to allow such devious sharing instead of stopping the flow of oil then discuss resource development.
Niger deltans and the rest of the country should be discussing resource management and control before sharing-which shall make all segments of the country contribute or those who can't or don't contribute get nothing. As it stands and was obvious in the siphoning and usurpation of Ogoni oil for more than 35 years with nothing, but environmental degradation, intimidation and deaths to show.
The beneficiaries of Niger delta oil don't appreciate nor respect the goose. They see this oil wealth as their right to farming, market and marketing plus putting food on their tables and developing themselves in every facet. In short, some, Hausa Fulanis, for instance, have claimed they own the oil and gas under the tombs of Ogoni/Niger deltans' fore-parents and the people tends to sit and agree they're right?
Well, Ogonis are to be blamed henceforth for their political and otherwise predicaments, should they not come together and play the underdogs for a winning strategy and control power in the state come 2015.
It's time other Rivers groups give Ogoni its rightful support. Only the actions: understanding the state's political waters, unity, seriousness, strategies and cohesiveness of the Ogoni people can bring this support and respect about. If Ogonis falters, they shall fall and have broken necks and arms...KawaaBari Ogoni, soosoo'waa yiga! Thanks as you unite today, tomorrow, forever and succeed.