While driving in New York City recently, I came across a bumper sticker that read: “If you are not outraged, you are not paying attention.” Delta State indigenes should indeed be outraged at the recent development regarding Chief Ibori’s alleged financial improprieties. These allegations, if proven to be true, will have serious ramifications for the lives of Deltans for generations to come.
It is alleged, among other things, that James Ibori and his associates used Delta State’s resources to acquire companies (Ascot, Notore et al). These allegations should not be taken lightly as the monies involved run into trillions of Naira. There have been no shortage of outrage when it comes to resource control and the recent decision of the Yar’ Adua administration to move the petroleum university from Effurun to Kaduna.
Why is there no outrage at these allegations? I suspect the answer is that Deltans have become disenchanted. They have been bludgeoned into complacency and resigned to silent protest - in their living rooms, in peer conversations around dinner tables, and in beer parlors. They have also allowed themselves to succumb to the dominance of political, tribal, and selfish interest groups.
Why so much disenchantment? The blame lies at the door of the political elite in the state. They have deliberately created and/or condoned suffering in the midst of so much, thereby turning its citizenry to beggars and worshippers of ill-gotten wealth. The polarization of Deltans by the state government has deprived Deltans the opportunity to be partakers of the social debate and, ultimately, the ability to express outrage at Ibori’s alleged massive looting of our treasury. It is interesting to note that the state house of assembly has not set up an independent investigative body to investigate a former chief executive who stands accused of looting its treasury.
Equally complicit – by their loud silence – are our traditional rulers, the orodje’s, ovie’s,obi’s, olu’s and kabowei’s etc. Which side are they on, the people or alleged looters? They are supposed to be custodians of our traditions. One cannot help but wonder if the cars, monetary gifts, political contracts and juicy employment opportunities to their children and relatives have subverted their allegiance to their subjects. Not one has shown any outrage since the revelations of the Ibori imbroglio.
The clergy is not immune from responsibility. I am still waiting for the clergy in Delta state and of Delta extraction to come to terms with the biblical imperative to confront foul conduct and fight for the Truth. The president of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria is a Deltan who proselytizes in the midst of poverty in the region. He had a lot to say during the Boko Haram crisis and has yet to utter a statement concerning the Ibori alleged corruption.
And our intellectuals, where are their voices? Where are the so -called constitutional and human rights lawyers in Delta state and of Delta extraction? Keyamo, shout out to you! Please apply the same vigor and energy you are using in the customs director general certificate forgery scandal, to the Ibori case. Members of the bar and judiciary where is your outrage? Are you not supposed to be the last hope of the masses?
We may all be disturbed by these allegations, but should realize that silent protest or no protest will not resolve these enormous problems. We as a people should rise up to the situation and say enough is enough already. We all have a responsibility for the future of our children. If the politicians cannot rise up to the situation, we all should.
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