WISDOM ONIEKPAR IKULI
Every reasonable and responsible parent, especially the man, begins early preparation the moment pregnancy is announced. Wise parents even prepare ahead.
Pregnancy becomes a great thing of concern when and where all scans are unable to detect the sex of the baby. Sometimes, pregnancy can result to conjoined twins, multiple birth, stillbirths, or others.
When responsible and proactive parents suspect future complications in pregnancy, they prepare and work ahead. They ensure that they are prepared for eventualities. They know delivery can be through vaginal delivery, spontaneous vaginal delivery (SVD), epidural-assisted delivery, water birth, assisted vaginal delivery, cesarean section (C-Section), etc so they prepare their minds and even materially and spiritually.
Nigeria that was conceived in 1895 at Akassa in present-day Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State but was delivered in 1914, at Lokoja in Kogi State with the formal amalgamation of Northern and Southern protectorates is heavily pregnant.
Pregnancy stays for a period of time before delivery. It is not sudden, so it gives ample time for preparation. It is only irresponsible man that waits and begin to ran around during labour.
The North has political agenda that they are projecting and pursuing. The South West (Yorubas) have their own agenda including the present Yorubanization that they are pursuing strategically. South East (Igbos), who control the Nigerian economy as the major importers and exporters are working quietly and strategically.
Ijaw Nation, which is the fourth largest tribe in Nigeria that is made up of over 350 tribes and ethnic groups need to be strategic and deliberate too, as Nigeria prepares for the delivery of her pregnancy.
For instance, South West (Yorubas) have presented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the APC, the North has presented Alhaji Atiku Abubakar of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), while the South East (Igbos) have presented Mr. Peter Gregory Obi of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
Ijaw Nation represents vast, oppressed, suppressed, repressed, subjugated, marginalized, and deprived, unrepresented, and under-represented tribes and ethnic groups that are outside WAZOBIA.
The over 347 tribes and ethnic groups out of the over 350 tribes and ethnic groups in Nigeria are looking up to Ijaw Nation as their liberator.
Since 1956 that crude oil and gas were first discovered in the whole of West Africa in commercial quantities at Oloibiri-Otabagi in present-day Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, Ijaw Nation that owns well over 65% of crude oil and gas in Nigeria has continued to feed all Nigerians. It has continued to carry the economic burden of the country.
Nobody should brainwash Ijaws that they can not rule Nigeria or they should wait for an uncertain future.
If there is any tribe that is more qualified to rule Nigeria at an ominous moment like this, it is Ijaw Nation that is never bias against any tribe or ethnic group.
President Goodluck Jonathan, an Ijaw man, ruled only one term even though the constitution allows for two terms.
While Ijaws are encouraged to spread into APC, ADC, NDC, and other political parties, there is need for Ijaw that represents the vast majority of underrepresented Nigerians to be on the 2027 Ballot.
I therefore appeal that Ijaws should join majority of Nigerians to prevail on President Goodluck Jonathan to join the presidential race. There is nothing wrong in contesting.
General Olusegun Obasanjo is one of the first African leaders who voluntarily handed over power in 1979. Obasanjo is celebrated all over the world as Elderstatesman.
In 1999, Obasanjo came back to rule Nigeria.
General Muhammadu Buhari was a military Head of State like Obasanjo. He was overthrown by General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida and his group.
Buhari came back to rule Nigeria in 2015.
Vast majority of Nigerians are clamouring on President Goodluck Jonathan, whom they see as the UNIFIER to come unify and salvage Nigeria, and Nigerians.
Ijaw Nation and Ijaws are known for selflessness. They should not learn selfishness today. They should join other Nigerians to prevail on President Goodluck Jonathan to hearken to the appeal of majority of Nigerians and contest the 2027 election.
Politics is like gamble that has its inherent advantages. There is nothing wrong in political gambling.
Finally, it is pertinent for the Ijaw Nation to be a responsible husband that prepares ahead of delivery date and not to run around during delivery of overdue pregnancy.
– Wisdom Oniekpar Ikuli
Critical Stakeholder in Ijaw Emancipation Struggle