A People-Driven Process in the Niger Delta
Kayode Komolafe’s piece entitled “Towards a Synergy in the Niger Delta” on the back page the THISDAY edition February 22, 2017 could not be more apt at a time when the people of the Niger Delta are frustrated, misgoverned and the resources of the states recklessly deployed.
Between 2005 and 2007, I was a member and later the Armed Forces Representative to the Gulf of Guinea Energy Security Summit (GUESS). President Obasanjo convened it with the partnership of the United States of America and the United Kingdom. There was later the participation of the NORDIC countries France, Netherlands etc. Obasanjo’s permanent representative to the Summit was Engr. Kupolokun who was the Group Managing Director of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).
The object was to eradicate the ugly trends of the proliferation of small arms and medium weapons in the region. It was to curb the unbridled crude oil and petroleum products theft. As a corollary, we were to work out a master plan for the development of the Niger Delta Region.
The efforts attracted both local and international concerns. The Human Development Report that Komolafe referred to in his column could also have been informed by the efforts. I stand to be corrected. I suggest that Engr. Kupolokun be requested to provide the presidency with a copy of the GUESS Report. It will go a long way to create the needed synergy aimed at solving the problems of underdevelopment in the Niger Delta area. All the state governors from the region were members of the group. It was only Rivers State that produced a model developmental plan for the Summit, based on the comparative strength of the State!
I agree that the usual “working at cross purposes” between government and stakeholders should be avoided. I also agree that the momentum of the conversations of the Vice President and the people of the area must be sustained. However, it is important that the processes be people - driven. They are the real stakeholders. For too long falsehood, deceit, frustration and absence of governance have been their dividends of democracy.
Secondly, we must develop a strategy directed to our people on the dangers of exposing our land to further environmental degradation. This is important. The Holy Book says, “My people perish for lack of knowledge.” “Blowing up” of oil and gas pipelines have not solved any of the problems, and the people are the worse for it. There are no more fertile grounds to fish and farm. No drinkable water. Nothing survives. Nothing thrives.
If we don’t develop the area, we would be playing the game of the ostrich and our overall development will be a mirage! •Rear Admiral Akpan (Retired) is of Fradan Iquoson Services Ltd fdakpan@yahoo.com