RIVERS STATE AND BAD POLITICS IN NIGERIA

We were here before 1967, separated by nature into groups. We are distinct in many ways. Our fore-fathers, our chiefs, gems and better dreamers, who looked beyond our tribal differences and the comfort of the moment into the future, conceived the thought of a unification under a separate autonomous province. However, determined to sustain the half-baked integration, the Western power introduced the Willinks who became the father of NDDB which was intended to allay the fear of the minority. NDDB was rather prodigal and could not meet the aspirations of the natives. There came the revolutionary BORO with a strong will to enforce the independence of the natives. But with a strong hammer and guided by a solid resolve to promote and advance the existence of one indivisible Nigeria, the BORO's upsurge was quashed. Collectively, we did not attempt to further the BORO's approach for an independent Niger Delta. We chose with honour, to collapse our ethnic interest into that of Nigeria bringing about the existence of Rivers State as a political entity in 1967. From the days of Alfred Diete Spiff, we have remained together, strong and prosperous. When ever we erred, politics is the reason.

Once upon a time, the state was militarized, politics is the reason. Guns became handouts, politics is the reason. Mothers cried and waited d return of their sons; politics. Men of political, economic, and academic substance were exterminated, politics is the reason. Values were eroded; it is politics. Humans lost sense of basic natural rights and lived in fear and grief, politics is the reason.

Why must we suffer because of politics? Why must payment of allowances and salaries be put on hold because of politics? Why must the youths be polarized and encouraged to draw swords again because of politics? Why must a brother hate his brother because of politics? Why must the elites constantly take delight in deceiving the common man because of politics? Why will a woman loose the sense of motherhood and nation building because of politics? Why will ego and pride override a man's sense of humility and selflessness because of politics? Why must political ambition be crowned with desperacy? Why must the system collapse because a man wants to ascend? Is it so in the United States? Is it so in United Kingdom? What about Canada, Australia, France, Russia or even China?

Is it not for the purpose of human development that politics exist? Is it not the character of politics for parties and individuals to differ in some issues and interests? Is it not appropriate to intellectually convince rather than coerce people into believing in your cause? What is politics? When did it become a death race game of hate and murder?

Why can't we work together because of politics? Why can't we let go of our pride and ego because of politics? Why can't we put first the interest of the people for whom we were chosen to serve above ours because of politics?

Oh political masters of the North, South, East and West, refrain from taking advantage of the gullibility of our mothers and fathers. Do you not see how the career and future of the young generation hang in the balance due to your senseless tussle? Why have you hardened your minds? How will posterity judge you? Have you no fear for the Architect of the universe? Or have you no respect for the labours of our heroes past? Remember the contributions of these men and women towards the development and the glory of our dear nation Nigeria: Bishop Samuel Ajayi Crowther
- Herbert Macaulay
- Nigeria's Atlanta 1996 Olympic Football Team
- Chief Obafemi Awolowo
- Christopher Okigbo
- Chief Nnamdi Azikwe - Alhaji Ahmadu Bello
- Alhaji Aminu Kano
- Prof. Wole Soyinka
- Fela Kuti
- Chief Gani Fawenhimi -Chief, Anthony Enahoro - MRS. Margaret Ekpo, -Onyeka Owenu - Queen Amina of Zaria - Moremi Ajasoro - Christina Anyanwu - Bolanle Awe - Lola Ayorinde - Buchi Emecheta - Rebecca Ikpe - Major General Aderonke Kale - Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti - Dr. Bene Madunagu - Flora Nwapa - Chief Bisi Ogunleye - Dr. Elizabeth Dupe Ojo - Synclair - and Mrs. Bisoye Tejuosho.

Now ask yourselves, what have you to offer this nation? What legacy will you leave behind? What will Nigerians remember you for? Rivers leaders, do not forget Chief Wobidike Wonodi (SAN), Chief Nwuke, Chief O. B. Lulu Briggs (OON, DCF), Senator Francis John Ellah (OFR), Professor Isaac John Dema, Chief Daniel Ojukalio and many others whose lofty deeds keeps them in the good book of history. When i look at the treachery in the guise of politics in our state, when i consider the high level of scramble for the state treasury, i am tempted to question the certainty of the future of the young generation. May God bless our leaders with wisdom and may God bless the people of rivers State in these trying times.