Delta State: Its own worst enemy?
By
IN his article entitled "Whither Delta State?, published in The Guardian of May 23, 2002, Dr. Temi Akporhonor, articulated the fears of a good proportion of the enlightened elite of Delta State. The present political situation is a reflection of the greatest and the best prospects which at the same time contains the seeds of disintegration and destruction indicative of a darker version of the Hegelian dialectic in which every thesis contains its own antithesis, except that in the Delta State version, instead of moving us forward, movement tends to be in the opposite direction.
Let me illustrate this debilitating phenomenon with three uniquely Delta situations: In August 1991, Delta State was created, to the fervent relief and joy, even rapture of the peoples of the real Delta. But this was neutralised at the same time by an antithesis, namely, the location of the Delta Capital in Anioma 'State'. Delta State is the richest State in Nigeria, in terms of natural and agricultural resources. This is not a reference to petroleum resources alone, but to the presence of the following in great abundance, Kaolin, granite, rubber, palm produce, sea foods, timber, salt, etc . The neutralising element in this second case, are the endless inter-ethnic conflicts, which have themselves consumed considerable resources and created an environment inhibiting development. An additional negative factor, are the depredations of the so-called restive youths, who have driven away investment from the state. Presently Delta State is in the unenviable position of having at its disposal two highly gifted young men, with excellent attributes and qualifications, described by Akporhonor in the following terms which I adopt "...Both of them are young and educated gentlemen. Their disposition is that of patriots trying to undo some of the wrongs done to their kith and kin in the past which unfortunately our fathers could not deal with: patriots who are deeply concerned about the continued oppression and neglect of the people of Delta State by the powers that be at the Federal level", but who for no justifiable reasons, will not work together in the interest of the state.
Once again, the neutralising factor has emerged in an otherwise ideal scenario. Instead of these two patriots working hand in hand for the upliftment of the state, and the release of its people from misery and oppression, they are set to release their vast energies and resources against each other, engendering great apprehension of utter devastation and almost terminal retrogression for the state and its peoples. Must Delta state experience this apocalypse in addition to all its other privations, like a hostile and difficult terrain, polluted environment, terrorism of 'restive' youths and unending inter-ethnic conflicts? Those who have observed the two protagonists and who know their capacities, predict that if James Ibori and Great Ogboru join hands and work together, Delta state will experience what they refer to as its golden age. On the other hand, should they engage in confrontation with each other, a real nightmare will unfold for the peoples of the state.
Let me quote Temi Akporhonor again; "One thing is clear - when the elephants fight, the grass, in this case the electorate, will bear the brunt. If and when this is allowed to happen Delta state may never be the same again. Delta state may never recover from the wide spread violence that may result. The attendant implosion must be prevented. All hands must be on deck. The state is bigger than any individual or group of individuals. The survival of the state should be of prime importance to the political dramatis personae of Delta state origin. There can be no meaningful progress in an atmosphere of mistrust and distrust."
It is a shame on the elder statesmen of Delta state that they have remained silent and inactive in the face of this threat to our collective heritage, and that it took a young man to raise an alarm and articulate a fact which has been obvious for over one year. What is the way out of this potentially apocalyptic situation? What must be done? As Dr. Akporhonor stated in his article: "The present occupant of the Government House has now been tested and he has performed creditably. The state has seen more development during this period than the entire military regime. Even his opponents acknowledge this as a fact but the big question is, is the development commensurate with vast resources available to the State since the advent of civilian administration?"
Regardless of the question at the end of that passage (a question that can be asked about any government) the fact is that the impact of the Ibori administration has indeed been very positive and beneficial on Delta state and its peoples. It is obviously not a perfect administration. There is definitely room for improvement. But my personal view is that it is one of the best in Nigeria. And in line with a famous and sensible adage, you do not change a winning team midstream. Thus for Delta State, the only viable option is to support Ibori to win a second term, to enable him operate without the constraints and burdens associated with the second term syndrome. In that regard, I think the best of Ibori is yet to come. It is in this context that Great Ogboru can play a critical and constructive role in promoting the interest of the state. That role needs not be spelt out in detail. But it is obvious that given his background and current status in this country. Great Ogboru can serve Delta state in any other elective or appointive role of his choice.
If at the end of the period 2003 - 2007, Ogboru decides to serve the people of Delta state at the State House level, he will be welcome to do so, by the vast majority of the people of the state, including, I believe, the departing incumbent. As Akporhonor has rightly stated, all hands must be on deck. The state is bigger than an individual or group of individuals. The survival of the state is the primary consideration of any patriotic Delta person. So as a demonstration of patriotism, and for the love of Delta State and its peoples, the Ibori and Ogboru groups must sheath their swords and work together for the welfare and progress of the state. There is no alternative to this. I say to the great Great Ogboru, one does not change a good leader for the sake of change, or because another good leader is available. I think Delta State deserves, another 4 plus 8 years of good leadership.