By Comrade Dakoru Biwaribo Ernest
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!I remember the sacrifices of our forefathers and the struggles for self-emancipation and freedom from the chains of Nigeria. This is not what Major Isaac Adaka Boro and his brothers in arms, who paid the supreme price, fought for. A fractionalized Ijaw nation is not one we should encourage or strengthen.
Our proudest moments have always been the times we stood together, without discrimination between Delta Ijaw, Ondo Ijaw, Edo Ijaw, Bayelsa Ijaw, and Akwa Ibom Ijaw. Those were the defining moments of the Ijaw nation: standing united against external aggression and fighting collectively for resource control and justice.
Our elders, some of whom witnessed and played roles in major events that shaped the Ijaw struggle, are not expected in their lifetime to fan the embers of disunity.
This is a time when we need stronger collaboration between elders and youths across Ijaw land. The Ijaw nation yearns for a united voice. Late Pa Edwin Clark was never elected into office, yet until his last breath, he spoke boldly and fearlessly for the Ijaw people.
We have still not achieved all we fought for not even half. There is still no active seaport, our resources we don’t controll, our region is still underdeveloped with no clear opportunities for the younger generation.
This pattern of politics has already reduced the IYC in some quarters to a farming platform, and as such, the expectation on the INC is even greater. At this critical point in Nigeria’s history, when the tides are changing, we must remain united. The fractionalization of our institutions should never be encouraged. Fractions decreases our collective strength.
There is an urgent need for all stakeholders to move swiftly in bringing every aggrieved party within the INC to a roundtable for sincere dialogue. It is not too late.
If your vision is limited to securing a shop or a job, then this post is not for you. This is for those who truly desire to see an Ijaw nation where dreams and aspirations thrive in unity, brotherhood, and collective progress — an Ijaw nation admired by all.
Izon otu, Izon ebi ki dou-owei.
*Comrade Dakoru Biwaribo Ernest is Public Affairs Analyst and writes from Yenagoa
