I write to contribute to the discussion of why governor Uduaghan denied Isoko nation development project(s) and funds? What is the motive of Uduaghan’s de facto decision? Could this denial be essential characteristics of him and his administration, inadequate knowledge, an unexpected computer glitch, or a deliberate error? According to the view expressed in the Vanguard newspaper publication of June 10, 2010, Isoko nation is horrified and demand answers, as well as their share of project(s) and funds. The situation is peevishly sensitive and impugns that the go
I write to contribute to the discussion of why governor Uduaghan denied Isoko nation development project(s) and funds? What is the motive of Uduaghan’s de facto decision? Could this denial be essential characteristics of him and his administration, inadequate knowledge, an unexpected computer glitch, or a deliberate error? According to the view expressed in the Vanguard newspaper publication of June 10, 2010, Isoko nation is horrified and demand answers, as well as their share of project(s) and funds. The situation is peevishly sensitive and impugns that the governor is not doing enough to equitably distribute resources among the disparate ethnic populations in Delta State.
We know that in Delta State we have five distinct ethnic nationalities, and we know that we have no criteria for identifying the needs and potentials of the environments of our ethnic populations. We also know that government appropriations to our ethnic populations are preferentially decided. Further, we know that project earmarks and funds appropriation for Niger Delta development is now, at best, sketchy. Furthermore, we know that if any criteria exists in Delta State for sharing the funds appropriated for the development of the Niger Delta, your guess is as good as mine that there isn’t any. Except for crude oil production. If so, then Isoko should be celebrated for producing crude oil. Thus, Isoko has earned the right to receive as much funds as is available for the development of the Niger Delta because she produces veritable quantities of crude oil. It follows that to denying Isoko a share of Niger Delta development funds is wrong now, and will always be wrong. The reason is that Isoko nation has distinguished itself by crude oil production both for quantities and the estimable contributions she makes to Nigeria economy.
What anchors this article is equity. To be sure, the research literature of equity reveals consistently that increased impartiality [in resources distribution/allocation] encourages a more cohesive society. If that research finding is located in Delta State, for example, it can be argued that it is important for the distinct ethnic nationalities in Delta State to come together in a more cohesive manner towards the common goal of survival. But there is a problem. The problem is our distinctive ethnic differences. Let’s not panic yet because problems only call for solutions. We can overcome our distinctive ethnic differences by nurturing whatever cohesiveness existed among us before, and improving upon it towards a more cohesive society. What do I mean? I mean that governor Uduaghan can be a catalyst in building a more cohesive society in Delta State by: 1) capitalizing on his unique position as governor, and 2) encouraging equality over inequality through increased impartiality in resources distribution/allocation.
If the governor acts on those two key suggestions, he would have begun the process of nurturing a more cohesive society among our ethnic populations. However, his action to the contrary will evidence what we are now witnessing between the governor and Isoko nation. The situation is peevish, and it’s waxing into a predicament daily. And in that peevish situation, a more divided society is bound to develop in Delta State. That will be a terrible thing to happen. But the governor is choosing pettiness over seizing the moment to leave a lasting legacy in the State? I don’t get it. After all, the political wind in Nigeria has changed direction for good – a cosmic activity, and we know the good may not last, and Isoko nation fear to be left out of the good, which has come on the heels of President Jonathan who seem inclined to develop the Niger Delta; and it’s only fair to say that Isoko nation should benefit from the good, or loose an opportunity to assuage the pains of her people for generations, including building the bridges of cohesiveness with her different ethnic neighbors. I hope that Isoko nation doesn’t loose this chance, and will not loose it.
Like I said, the current times are interesting ones in Nigeria. Although, governor Uduaghan appears to be in a deep slumber, at some point, he must wake up and attend to the concerns of Isoko nation. Meanwhile, I like to say that governor Uduaghan miscalculated on the privy to, at once, give Isoko nation a run around on matters of absolute importance. I can bet almost anybody that Isoko nation will hold governor Uduaghan responsible for a lost chance if he continues with his delinquency on this heartfelt matter. These unusually good times are significant because they come with the awakening that an indigene of Niger Delta only can see to the development of the Niger Delta, and that we, South Southerners, cannot expect our rival cousins: the Yoruba, the Hausa/Fulani or the Ibo to do it for us. So, it is wrong for governor Uduaghan to bestride Isoko nation like a Colossus at this time, and deny her legitimately earned share of development funds, when all along she has met the criteria. No not now! Not when the winds of change is blowing in Nigeria, and sweeping through the Niger Delta and gradually loosening the shackles of denial/oppression, and making the issue of the development of the Niger Delta priority in the political discuss. Even though Isoko people are patiently waiting to receive the benefits of the good times, they are mindful that time is precious and could slip away. Therefore, Isoko people are right to questioning the governor’s wisdom in denying them essential funds that are necessary to improving Isoko rural communities. Whereas Niger Delta is in the spotlight, Isoko nation is just rudely awakening to the fact that she is in the dark, and will remain in the dark if she doesn’t do what it takes now to rock governor Uduaghan’s boat.
I like to sum this article on the basis of efficacy of crude oil production. For that matter, I like to say that governor Uduaghan is on a self-assigned mission to disavow Isoko. Moreover, I like to say that the governor is seriously misjudging the currents of Isoko vogue. However, I like to suggest to the governor that he should do the right thing now to right the wrongs in who-gets-what in Delta State. After all, Isoko population is as impoverished as any other disparate ethnic population in Delta State, and preferential criteria is too subjective for use in doling out resources that are now coming from the Federal government to our part of the country. Therefore, give Isoko a-fair-shake in the distribution/allocation of resources. Anything less is unacceptable.
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