As we celebrate 19years of Democracy after decades of military rule, I urge our great people to use this historic moment to reflect over our past and present stake in the Nigerian state.
Since the forceful unholy matrimony and amalgamation of the Northern and Southern Protectorates in 1914, the Ijaw Nation has remained at the receiving end as the ethnic group that has been shouldering the economic burden of the country.
But despite our immeasurable and invaluable sacrifices and contributions, we are given peanuts and crumbs that can sustain us while the exploration and exploitation last.
However, while we blame our aggressors, assailants and antagonists for the mindless and heartless degradation, devastation and destruction of our land and God given resources, there is the need for our people to look inward. We also need to come to terms with the reality that nobody or government can exploit or have unhindered access to our abundant resources without internal collaborators.
It is important for the Ijaw Nation to use this opportunity for sober reflection. As the fourth largest ethnic group in a country of over 250 distinct ethnic tribes and groups, we are not supposed to be crying about marginalization or see ourselves as minorities. What we need most at this point in our political evolution is unity. The Ijaw Nation need to unite because there is nothing we cannot achieve with unity. Our political elites despite their political differences need to forge a common united front that will help to enhance our growth and development.
While it is common knowledge that we are not yet where we ought to be as a great people, it is very obvious that with peace and unity of purpose we can turn around our present situation and achieve the unimaginable and unachievable.
Finally, it is important to reexamine our political recruitment processes especially those we elect to represent our great people right from the Local Government level to our State Houses of Assembly, National Assembly, Governors and even whoever we shall support in the forthcoming 2019 Presidential election.
I wish us a Happy Democracy Day Celebration.
Long live the Ijaw Youth Council
Long live the Ijaw Nation
Long live the Niger Delta
Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria
BARR. OWEILAEMI R. PEREOTUBO
National President
Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide
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