Amalgamation: Bane of N’Delta Dillema

Retrospectively, the unprecedented calamities befallen the South-South geopolitical zone or known as the oil-rich Niger Delta for almost a century ago is rooted since 1914 when the then Southern  Protectorate was amalgamated with the northern Protectorate by the administration of the colonial masters, championed by Sir Fredrick Lord Luggard. M actually, the amalgamation later began Federated status of Nigeria in 1954 before attaining a sovereign nation in 1960.

Without controversy, the Southern Protectorate was the sustaining force of economy and of course booming over her Northern counterpart. However, the colonial motivators were closely aligned to the Northern region during their immigration as they established tight relationships with them. It was obvious that due to economic recession, of the Northern region, they became jealous and envious because of the economic potentialities of the Southern Protectorate.

Due to this development, the only alternative to break the bond was the conception and strategic plan for the merging of the two socio-economic entities. In order to actualize the conception, the Northerners in collaboration with the colonial personnel dwelling in their domain, devised a magnetic and subtle approach were able to subdue the intelligence of the Southern elites and lured them into agreement of amalgamation.

As soon as the game was successful on the part of the Northerners, before the Southerners could realize the implication of the agreement, all key and essential socio­-economic positions have been occupied by the Northerners, whereas the Southerners were only allowed for menial jobs. In fact, this is how the Northerners had upper hands over the secret and natural preserves of the southern region and eventually usurp the sole resposibilities and possessed the possessions of he bonafide citizens of he Niger Delta sub-region.

In the world of leadership; it is crystal clear that the Northerners have been playing domineering role during pre and post independence in all ramifications u to he present dispensation of democratic administration. For instance, from 1960 till present, Nigeria had witnessed thirteen leaders at the national level.

Out of these thirteen administrations, only four emerge from he eastern and western geo-political areas. Meanwhile, the rest of the nine administrators hail from he Northern region respectively. The point here is: how could one strike a balance in a nation which purported to be one entity?

Furthermore, imagine the nullification of the best and well conducted Presidential election of June 12, 1993 between Alhaj Tofa of the Northern Republican Convention and Moshood M.K.O. Abiola of the Southern Democratic Paraty (SDP), by the maradonic military administration of General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida who step aside in August, 1993 due to some political pressures from Abiola – the supposed winner of the annulled election. It is unfortunate that IBB did not adduce reasons and apology for nullifying the said election o the Nigerian citizenry.  Psychologically, the act would not be unconnected with the fact that a Northerner (Tofa) failed the elections they have designed within the leadership domain.

Herein, the issues of the Niger Delta is so complex which could be likened to the episode of the israeltes who were in bondage for decades under the tyrannical and despotic rulership of King Pharoah of Egypt. Similarly, the adage of a blind man also indicates that he would sometimes identify the shadow of someone passing before his face at intervals. Of course, it is asserted that despite he blindness, the eye brows are always focused and steadfast.

The struggle for appropriate and adequate identity of the oil-producing communities and the demand for resource control began decades ago which has claimed mancipation of the land of milk and honey from the shackles of underdevelopment were championed by the Human Rights activists Kenule Saro-Wiwa, Dr. Obi Wali, Prof. Claude Ake just to mention but few, who toed the footprints of their predecessors.

In fact, since the sacrifices of these legends of the oil-rich region, the demand for rightful position of the economic base of the nation has been persistent as the peoples’ eyes were once again became washed with eye salve.

It is equally quite unfortunate that instead of being allowed the management of the natural resources accruing from the soil regime which until its dissolution in 2000 AD, did not have any developmental impact for the oil-bearing communities.

During the OBJ’s administration, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) was also established to replace OMPADEC, all to no avail for the purpose for which it was created.

Realistically, Amah community of OgbaiEgbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State is an evidence of non-developmental ventures by these moribund institutions. In the resent dispensation under Alhaji Umaaru Yaar’Adua as president of Nigeria, a Federal Ministry of Niger Delta was as well carved out all for the sole aim of developing the oil-producing areas. However, it is doubtful what impact the federal Ministry of Niger Delta can make beyond OMPADEC and NDDC respectively.

Additionally, these inhuman and ugly characteristics exhibited by the military juntas and worst of it as could be focused in the democratic dispensation has given rise to incessant youth restiveness, militancy the only resort to express displeasure to the powers that be.  The Niger Deltans have been awakened from her slumber and never to allow the peppering of soap in her eyes while right away in the water!

Conclusively, the on-going amnesty programme embarked upon by the Federal Government should be handled with all seriousness and commitment in order to avoid reoccurrence of the ugly episodes which has devastated the economy.  Therefore, adequate machineries should be put in place to redirect and put to rest the deadly conditions of the producing communities of the Niger Delta region in terms of providing socio-economic and infrastructural facilities and amenities.

Without mincing words, the 1914 amalgamation has caused a great setback on the Niger region and it is high time drastic measure should be applied. For how long shall the abject marginalization saga continue?

Enough is enough!

Comrade N. Ominyanwa is of Rivers State Science and Technology