"Peace does not happen in a vacuum". "There's gat to be dialogue..." It is not enough to say that we should live in peace. We must also ask: "How?" "What do we have to do to live in peace?" "What does it take to live in peace?" "What changes must we embrace in order to actualize peace?"
The House of Representatives, the Senate, our governors, Mr. President, and the NIGERIAN PUBLIC must critically look into these questions. "There is anger in the land". Key changes must occur in the land. Also, Niger-Deltans must think of new and better ways of advancing their cause(s) through POWERFUL, NON-VIOLENT METHODS. This is a very reliable path map to follow.
Our Niger-Deltan militants have drawn a lot of attention to the region, no doubt. However, I believe the time has come for them to place more and more energies on non-violent approaches to ensuring that the people of the region are not exploited or cheated. Niger-Delta must reflect the blessings of the "Oil Wealth".
However, it is important to note that some of these militants do not have the good intentions of the masses at heart. To some, the crisis may simply be a way to generate millions of Naira to cater for their selfish ends. "The bad and the ugly must be separated from the good."
I believe some of these so-called militants are sincere. They have good intentions towards the region and by extension, the country. They are better termed, "Emancipators" instead of "Militants". The weapons they carry could very well be for self defense. I would like to give them the benefit of doubt! (And there are Emancipators who do not carry guns.
It is very important to take note of this...) I encourage these well meaning Nigerians to have brain storming sessions - to come up with more effective ways of ensuring the good of "the Delta". It is progressive to think, to plan and to imagine new and better ways of doing things.
I am a strong advocate for peaceful-forceful, non-violent approaches. [By "peaceful-forceful", I mean peaceful means and strategies that are very, very powerful; that are forceful enough to bring the perpetrators of tyranny, greed and wickedness to their knees.]
The task of working to save the environment, create jobs, build infrastructures, and promote the just sharing of the national moimoi (in this case, OIL - not groundnut oil, coconut oil or palm oil but CRUDE OIL) should not be left for only a few. The so-called common man - the masses must wake up and rise up: network and organize. “Each of us is an emancipator!”
Where are the town hall meetings and the rallies? Where are the workshops and seminars? Where are the international press conferences? There should be more and more of these. Where are the letters to Abuja? Write and send. Don't be bothered whether they will be read or not. Send! Don't sit down there; fold your hands and expect the Emancipators to work magic.
If you have a better option/approach, please, come forward! Do something! Make a difference, my dear...
"Peace does not happen in a vacuum". For peace to reign in the Niger-Delta, our leaders in the region and in Abuja MUST have a clear, working knowledge and understanding of the people of Niger-Delta and vice-versa. "Two cannot work together unless they are in agreement." Real understanding of one another, promotes substantial agreement.
Our leaders must be sensitive to the needs, yearnings and aspirations of the people. They must be willing to humble themselves and listen to their concerns. Aso Rock and policy makers must also take the bold step to refuse to be controlled or manipulated by foreign forces - individuals, groups, corporations, associations, cults, etc that do not give a damn about the black skinned brothers and sisters in the Niger-Delta.
In addition, for peace to prevail, Niger-Deltans MUST seek to embrace "individual responsibility" for their future and their children's future. "Stand up, seek enlightenment, know the issues, discipline yourself, re-orient yourself, embrace progressive value systems, make sacrifices, work together in unity, lift your heads up high, hold your ground"...
Resource control is a good option for the Federal Government to implement. "Put away your unfounded fears. Embrace true Federalism." Each region or State must know that the time has come for them to tap into their God-given creativity - to create wealth: each has material and human resources. Why not organize and create wealth with what you've got?
Why sit-back, and rely solely on oil? Even the Niger-Delta has to diversify. How much is your State or region contributing to the Nation's gross domestic product, to the national income or wealth? What percentage of the national moimoi can we attribute to your State? "What's in your hands?" Use it!! Use them!! Be innovative, be inventive...
Federal Government, "Show me your Federal Character". Abegi!
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