Two Big Problems That Ijaw Nation Need To Deal With To Get Leadership Right

WISDOM ONIEKPAR IKULI 

Others may argue or hold otherwise, but Ijaw Nation seems to be the most blessed tribe in Nigeria in terms of human and natural resources.

Unfortunately, most Ijaws do not know what they have. Most Ijaws do not realize the unquantifiable wealth and blessings that Almighty God has bestowed on them.

Ijaws are a very unique set of people. They are a chosen generation like the Jews.

Is it a mere coincidence that Ijaw man or woman no matter their level of education or exposure always shine wherever they find themselves?

They are like the gold fish that does not have a hiding place.

Ijaws are blessed beyond human measures or human comprehension.

Sadly, most Ijaws grapple with timidity and inferiority complex. They suffer low self-esteem that make them to live “i pass my brother” lifestyle.

Instead of competing with outsiders and strangers, they often see their brothers as their highest competitors instead of seeing them as partners.

Their inability to recognize or acknowledge the abundant wealth Almighty God has bestowed upon them make them live like the ignorant Prince in Ecclesiastes 10:5-7 that is trekking while a servant in his palace is riding on his horse.

In the midst of the prevalent unpleasant reality is the fact that Ijaw Nation is plagued with two big problems.

Ijaw Nation has a very Faulty Leadership Recruitment Process.

Ijaw Nation also has a very Faulty Reward System.

While the Hausa-Fulanis, Yorubas and Igbos and even other tribes that are smaller than Ijaws identify and recruit vibrant, focused, highly educated and intellectually sound minds to occupy some key and very sensitive positions and offices, in Ijaw Nation they allow parochial and primordial sentiments to overshadow their right sense of judgment.

They often super impose their incompetent puppets, stooges and cronies in very sensitive positions and at the end, the whole Ijaw Nation suffer due to the poor performance of an individual or group of persons.

Institutionalization of the culture of super imposing incompetent elements in sensitive positions is one of the greatest problems of Ijaws.

Ijaw Nation will record tremendous achievements if they get things right.

Look at the success story in Bayelsa State today. Within a space of 6years, Gov. Douye Diri has transformed a state that was over 65% riverine and today, roads are criss-crossing everywhere in the state.

Over 75% of Bayelsa State today is motorable. Look at the brand New 60-Megawatts Gas Turbine that was built within a space of 1year. Look at the Angiama-Oporoma Bridge that has opened up the Angiama-Oporoma-Otuan axis. Look at the Nembe-Brass road. Look at the New Yenagoa City. Look at the New Road linking the New Yenagoa City and the LNG. Look at the Opolo-Elebele road. Look at the Phase 3 of the Glory Drive. Look at Bayelsa Palm-Igbogene Ring Road. Look at how he has transformed Sampou to a modern Town. Look at the Bayelsa Medical University, Sampou. Look at the 30,000 FIFA Standard Stadium. Look at the 9-Storey New State Secretariat. Look at the Oxbow Lake – Agbura Road. Look at Prosco Road. Look at the Bayelsa Airline, etc.

Bayelsa State is presently the SAFEST STATE in Nigeria.

Bayelsa State is one of the states that has the highest number of Technical Colleges in Nigeria where everything is free including food and lecture materials. In the near future, Bayelsa State shall export artisans and medium manpower abroad and earn huge foreign exchange. The same way in the near future, Bayelsa State shall export Medical Doctors and other medical personnel abroad and earn huge foreign exchange.

The ASSURED Prosperity Administration has constructed hundreds if not thousands of Rigid Pavement Roads in several towns and villages in Bayelsa State, yet it does not make noise about those internal roads.

The above success story within a space of 6years is a classic example of how things work when the right person is recruited.

Gov. Douye Diri is a Political Scientist, a Social Scientist, a Social Engineer, a well trained and groomed Problem Solver and an outstanding Philosopher King who places high premium on service delivery. For him, he believes in placing the collective interest of the people above self.

His vision has kickstarted the Industrial Revolution in Bayelsa State.

Social and Nightlife in the state has improved drastically because of adequate security.

Ijaw Nation should strive to solve the problem of her very Faulty Reward System.

While other tribes and ethnic groups reward people who serve and make sacrifices for the growth and development of their people, the story is different in Ijaw Nation.

For example, how is Ijaw Nation treating children and families of Ijaw heroes especially those who have died?

They are completely forgotten. It is almost a crime for sacrificing for Ijaw Nation instead of stealing and amassing wealth for themselves and their unborn generations.

Ijaw Nation need to take deliberate steps to deal with the issues of her Faulty Leadership Recruitment Processes and Faulty Reward System.

– Most Senior Comrade Wisdom Oniekpar Ikuli
Mirror and Conscience of Society.