Rivers And Need For Unity

Before the creation of Rivers State in 1967, the
diverse tribes or ethnic nationalities had co-existed peacefully as a result of common values, cultural norms which bond them together. More so, they shared common historical experience. That includes the period of minority agitations for states creation in the 1940’s and 1950’s. In that era, our irredentists spoke and rarely acted inseparably.
This spirit of oneness and of single purpose led the people through the three harrowing years the Nigeria civil war lasted, from 1967 to 1970. And from the post war period through the emergence of the Second Republic, to when the country redemocratised in 1999, our political differences did not threaten or undermine the existing unity and love for one another.
The political gladiators were more conscious and mindful of the old bond because the interest of the society was primary and above personal, group and ethnic pursuits. Besides the political class, majority of the people were able to make a choice among the political parties which they considered to be in consonance with their aspirations. This ensured some stability in the polity and the casual feelings from the opposition parties were not enough to cause disaffection or upset the government of the day.
In 1999, for example, when the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), won the governorship election, the candidate of the main opposition party, the All Nigerian Peoples Party (ANPP), Chief Ebenezer Isokariari, an equally popular and notable bureaucrat joyfully congratulated the winner, Dr. Peter Odili. It is more safe to say that in the opening years of that administration, the limitless solidarity and support the Odili led government enjoyed from the leadership of the opposition political parties, irrespective of the measure, encouraged the administration to remain focused and committed to service delivery.
Sadly, the scenario today is completely different; sometimes taking a worrisome dimension. Dan Onwukwe, a columnist, not too long ago, was compelled to describe the “existing divisive tendencies”, obviously triggered by the excesses of some political perverts in the State, as “horrifying”. It is simple and clear that some persons are yet to come to terms with the reality of the 2015 governorship and other elections in the State.
And since the commencement of the current administration, under Chief Nyesom Wike, it has shown so much gusto in maximizing the victory. For instance, the doubt and pervasive feeling of apathy to civil governance, precipitated by the actions of the previous administration has waned. Within one year of the life span of the present administration, it has made impressive statement in leadership and succeeded in making a clear demarcation between politics and governance.
Amongst other development initiatives, particularly on health, education, agriculture, security, human capital development and infrastructural provision, which has placed the State on the fast track of development, the governor’s move to complete abandoned mega projects that are crucial to rapid socio­economic growth, started by his predecessor, is symbolic and rare especially in a clime where continuation of meaningful policies, programmes and projects, as a culture, is still evolving.
No doubt, the administration within this period has restored confidence in public administration, as a feeling of genuine empathy towards it pervades in all parts of the State. This is not in doubt because the administration has evolved a system where the people is central in its social and economic calculations.
Nevertheless, the laudable achievements of the administration can only be improved on or sustained in an environment of peace, love and harmony, especially in this period of intense competition and unimaginable challenges.
That is why Governor Wike’s remark during the last meeting of the Nigeria Guild of Editors (NGE), on peaceful co-existence and the need to make sacrifice for peace, irrespective of political differences, in the State is commendable.
The remark, ‘We are one and teh same’, no doubt is a loud call to political leaders to put the interest of the State above individual or group interest, as it was in time past.
It is, however, worthy to know that every political position or office, no matter how small or big, has expiry date; it is hardly the same with those eternal things that bind us together as a people. It therefore becomes imperative to harken to the call and join forces in the ongoing development efforts of the present administration and put an end to actions that tend to divide us, which obviously, if allowed to persist, will slow down our match to the desired socio-economic and even political destination.
Ezekiel-Jenewari is a retired staff of the Rivers State Ministry of Information and Communications

Tonye Ezekiel-Jenewari