It is becoming increasingly worrisome that, as Ijaw people, we sometimes prefer to fight our own brothers rather than unite to confront the larger challenges facing us as a people. This pull-him-down syndrome is unhealthy and must be discouraged if we genuinely desire the collective progress of the Ijaw Nation.

One of our major problems is that almost everyone wants to be the leader at the same time, while very few are willing to support others. This unhealthy struggle for prominence often breeds bitterness, rivalry and unnecessary conflict. We must understand that everybody cannot climb the ladder at the same time. There is a season and an opportunity for everyone.

Ever since the Federal Government awarded the pipeline surveillance contract to Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, associated with High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, it appears that the man has hardly been allowed to breathe because of criticisms and attacks, including from some of his fellow Ijaw brothers. We must ask ourselves: what exactly is our problem?

No matter how hard anyone tries to pull another person down, it is difficult to fight against grace, destiny and the will of God.

Rather than expend our energy fighting over the Tantita security contract, we should be asking ourselves how the Ijaw Nation can secure greater opportunities from the Federal Government. The Niger Delta contributes enormously to the resources sustaining Nigeria, yet our communities continue to grapple with underdevelopment, unemployment and inadequate infrastructure.

Tantita is only one opportunity among many. Our attention should therefore be directed towards securing greater political representation, economic opportunities, infrastructural development, employment, contracts and investments for our people.

Gbaramatu Kingdom should not be treated as the enemy. The people of Gbaramatu are our brothers and sisters. During the difficult years when the community faced enormous pressure and confrontation, many of us lived peacefully in our respective communities. It is therefore unfair for people to suddenly claim ownership or entitlement now that opportunities have emerged from sacrifices made during those difficult periods. As the Ijaw saying goes, “Ebipayeseseye.”

I therefore appeal to individuals such as Jude Gbaboyor, Ezekiel Daniel and others who have publicly expressed grievances over the Tantita security arrangement to reconsider the path of confrontation. Whatever the grievances may be, dialogue remains a better option than an internal battle that could further divide our people. Differences should be resolved through constructive engagement, mutual respect and peaceful dialogue.

We must also remember the significant role played by High Chief Tompolo in the struggle that eventually contributed to the peace being enjoyed across the Niger Delta today. The Presidential Amnesty Programme undoubtedly played an important role in stabilising the region, but the sacrifices and interventions of Niger Delta leaders, particularly Tompolo, must equally be acknowledged.

In my assessment, Tompolo remains the Niger Delta leaders with the grassroots reach, experience and capacity required to effectively coordinate an operation of the magnitude of the Tantita pipeline surveillance contract. The Federal Government, I believe, is aware of this, and the security firm has indeed outperformed in the assignment given it by the government.

And so, our enemies should not be ourselves. Our attention should be focused on the longstanding economic challenges confronting our people and on securing a fairer share of the wealth generated from our ancestral lands.

It is unfortunate that while many interests outside the Niger Delta have benefited enormously from the oil and gas industry, we continue to fight among ourselves over a pipeline surveillance contract. That energy should instead be channelled towards demanding greater participation of Niger Delta people in the ownership of oil assets (oil wells), businesses and other opportunities within the petroleum industry.

Furthermore, any decision concerning the Tantita security contract should be guided by performance, competence, national interest and the need to sustain peace and security in the Niger Delta, one which Tompolo has demonstrated. Rather than tow the path of jealousy, our brothers should join hands together with Tompolo to transform the region, especially our coastal communities.

At the same time, anyone whose opposition is motivated by the disruption of illegal bunkering or other unlawful activities should understand that such activities cannot be defended at the expense of our environment, economy and collective future. The Niger Delta is moving forward and will not be dragged back into the era of pollution.

Enough of the pull-him-down syndrome. Let us stop fighting ourselves and begin to think about how the Ijaw Nation can collectively secure greater opportunities, development and prosperity for our people.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Mr. Angadia E. Eminent, Former CDC Chairman, Ogbotobo Federated Community, writes from the Niger Delta