Below is an article by Sunny Awhefeada, a lecturer at the Delta State University, Abraka, who teaches Literature. The article presents the Urhobo point-of-view in the Niger Delta struggle. For too long now the Niger Delta struggle has been synonymous with the Ijaw struggle. This article presents a new face of the struggle and the Urhobo national agenda is well projected. Currently, Urhobo is highly marginalized despite being the dominant ethnic group in Delta State and the second most dominant in the South South. We have no federal appointments and no federal projects. Our unemployed youths are not ignorant of this and the government is showing no signs of commitment. Please read this article which shows our pains and make your comments. Our voices must be heard! Urhobo Wadoooooo! Isoko Wadooooo! Okpe Wadoooo! Abraka Wadoo! Udu Wadoo! Agbarho Wadoo! Agbon Wadoo! Agbassa Wadoo! Okere Wadoo! Oghara Wadoo! Mosoghar Wadoo! Jesse Wadoo! Evwreni Wadoo! Uvwie Wadoo! Olomu Wadoo! Ujevwin Wadoo! Orogun Wadoo! Ogor Wadoo! Unenurhie Wadoo! Agbarha Wadoo! Okparabe Wadoo! Ephron-otor Wadoo! Kiagbodo Wadoo! Ekakpamre Wadoo!

Below is the article:

Urhobo, Niger Delta and NDGJM By Sunny Awhefeada
Come Saturday October 29, 2016, Urhobo youths will gather in Warri for the Urhobo youth summit organised by the youth wing of the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU). The youths deserve plaudits for holding such a summit. It is hoped that the outcome will galvanise the Urhobo people onto the path of a glorious dawn. One of the issues that should be discussed is the Urhobo nation and the Niger Delta.
Since the creek wars of 2009, the Niger Delta struggle has been misconstrued to be an Ijaw struggle. The climax of that wrong-headed assumption was the emergence of Goodluck Jonathan an Ijaw as Nigeria’s president in 2010 and later in 2011. The political and economic advantage which the Ijaw enjoyed was typical of the kneejerk response for which the Nigerian state is well known.

When the Yar’Adua government negotiated with Niger Delta militants in 2009, it was hoodwinked into negotiating with only the Ijaw ethnic group which is just one of the many ethnic nationalities in the Niger Delta. Other ethnic groups inhabiting the Niger Delta and suffering from the environmental degradation and exploitation that triggered the creek wars were ignored. The Ijaw were privileged because they formed the majority of those who fought in the bloody armed conflict that bled the nation economically. Since Nigerian governments romanticise violence, the Ijaw were heavily patronised with unimaginable economic and political advantages.


Youths of the other ethnic nationalities, especially the Urhobo, became subjects of derision as they were asked what prevented them from doing what Ijaw youths did to earn government attention and largesse. The ongoing militant activities spearheaded by Urhobo gallant fighters under the auspices of the Niger Delta Greenland Justice Mandate (NDGJM) is a direct response to government’s deliberate neglect of the Urhobo nation in the scheme of the Niger Delta crisis and its resolution.
The bone of contention between the Niger Delta and the Nigerian state is the crisis spurned by oil exploration and exploitation. Oil was discovered in Urhoboland in 1957 in Afiesere. Of all the eight local government areas that make up the Urhobo nation, seven produce oil, while Uvwie which does not produce, plays host to a gigantic petrochemical refinery which is one of Nigeria’s biggest assets.

Urhobo is the core and stabilizer of the Niger Delta. Yet, with a population of five million people, it has been plundered by successive ruling elite and oil multinationals and subjected to the worst form of ecocide. The 1998 Jesse pipeline fire that took over one thousand lives is just one of many instances of oil-cide. The Urhobo experience offers a sad picture of a wasteland with a despondent population. This is the gory aftermath of nearly 60 years of oil banditry carried out by the Nigerian state in cahoots with oil majors.

Why then did successive national governments shortchange the Urhobo? The answer is in the peaceful and accommodating nature of the Urhobo people which the Federal Government mistook for docility. The Urhobo people provided the intellectual and ideological fillip for the Niger Delta struggle through Peter Ekeh, Omafume Onoge, G. G. Darah, Tanure Ojaide and others. Unfortunately, the Nigerian state negates constructive engagement. It only yields to the force of violence.


It is for this reason that the intellectual contribution of the Urhobo people to the Niger Delta struggle remained unacknowledged. Urhobo helped in stabilising the Nigerian economy when it was not possible to drill oil in the creeks and on the high seas because of the armed conflict that made those zones no go areas for exploration activities. It was the oil drilled from Urhoboland and other peaceful zones that sustained the Nigerian economy between 2005 and 2009. Yet, the Urhobo people were given no consideration by way of appeasement for the despoliation of their homeland by many years of oil exploration.
Urhoboland is economically embattled due to loss of means of livelihood. Land and rivers suffer from oil pollution, while the people are endangered human species. Crime arising from youth unemployment is high. Urhobo urban and rural settings are sprawling wastelands. There are no good roads in Urhoboland, no good schools and hospitals. Yet, the people were once very resourceful and happy until the monster of oil exploration ruptured their existence.

When the Federal Government reached out to the Niger Delta in 2009, it committed a fatal error by not extending the overture to all the ethnic nationalities that make up the region. It reached out to only the Ijaw who appropriated everything. This is what must have instigated a new phase of land militancy spearheaded by the NDGJM as opposed to creek militancy which the Ijaw championed. The NDGJM is an Urhobo armed group which from its press outings, sets out to do for the Urhobo nation what the Ijaw militants are doing for the Ijaw nation. In Cross Rivers State, the Bakassi Strike Force is also in the trenches to champion the cause of the Bakassi people.

The NDGJM’s Imperative Is To Ensure That The Federal government creates an all inclusive platform that will be pan-Niger Delta in the final resolution of the Niger Delta conundrum. This rejects the exclusive privileging of one ethnic group over others. Since 2009, the Amnesty Programme and the Pipeline Surveillance contract for the Niger Delta region have been skewed to become Ijaw appeasement projects. This should not be so. All the peoples of the Niger Delta who have been victims of oil exploitation must be factored into Buhari’s agenda for the region. This is the only path to lasting peace.


So far the NDGJM fighters have inflicted some collateral damage on Nigeria’s economic infrastructure with threats to do more. The Federal Government should meet them at the negotiation table now and prevent the escalation of hostilities. Urhoboland is too central to the survival of the Nigerian economy as it hosts many national economic assets.
The military siege on Urhoboland is another sore point that must be addressed. The soldiers are brutal. They deliberately cause heavy traffic spanning hours as you enter Effurun from Benin, extort money and torment innocent Urhobos in the name of fighting kidnapping and oil bunkering. Many of the soldiers who are of northern Nigerian extraction have greatly denigrated the Urhobo people physically and psychologically. This must stop. Buhari should demilitarise Urhoboland. Urhobo people can secure themselves.

The youth summit must be critical enough to also address how Urhobo leaders also underdeveloped Urhoboland. The youths must call traitorous politicians to order. The youths should reset the Urhobo agenda. Let the summit proclaim a new credo that will instill the traits of Mukoro Mowoe, TEA Salubi, Michael Ibru, Omafume Onoge and Pius Ewherido into our people. I wish the summiteers well. Ighene Urhobo mini wadoooooo…
Source:http://guardian.ng/opinion/urhobo-niger-delta-and-ndgjm/

CC:lalasticlala

Let's exchange ideas here. Having in mind that the phrase Niger Delta is not synonymous with Ijaw, how can the various ethnic groups in the Niger Delta be appeased by the current administration?
Cc:
Tonyebarcanista
HopeAtHand
Izonpikin
Efewestern
Seun
Obinoscopy
Afam4eva
Bigfrancis21
Jasysandra
Dominique
LKO
Ishilove
Areafada2
Mynd44
Oam4j
Lalasticlala
***
Secessionists should stay off this thread. This is not a thread for bickering and claiming what or what not.

Urhobo nation believes strongly in Project Nigeria. We only demand for better treatment and to be given our due.

I don't think any ethnic group in the Niger Delta have any problem with the present administration. The problem is with Nigeria State not specific to the government of the day.

The issue is about end to marginalisation and fair treatment. It has to do with convocation of Sovereign National Conference to restructure the country for the good of all. It isn't peculiar to Buhari administration

But

Within the present arrangement, Buhari needs to take the cleanup seriously, make the NDDC and ND Affairs Ministry effective, ensure that there is improved security in the region and stop his reckless speeches that incite people against him. Importantly, he should stop being a nepotist in his appointments.



That's all!

fratermathy:
Let's exchange ideas here. Having in mind that the phrase Niger Delta is not synonymous with Ijaw, how can the various ethnic groups in the Niger Delta be appeased by the current administration?
Cc:
Tonyebarcanista
HopeAtHand
Izonpikin
Efewestern
Seun
Obinoscopy
Afam4eva
Bigfrancis21
Jasysandra
Dominique
LKO
Ishilove
Areafada2
Mynd44
Oam4j

***
Secessionists should stay off this thread. This is not a thread for bickering and claiming what or what not.

Urhobo nation believes strongly in Project Nigeria. We only demand for better treatment and to be given our due.

what the niger delta clamors for is true federalism..

Just as things were before independence..

TonyeBarcanista:
I don't think any ethnic group in the Niger Delta have any problem with the present administration. The problem is with Nigeria State not specific to the government of the day.

The issue is about end to marginalisation and fair treatment. It has to do with convocation of Sovereign National Conference to restructure the country for the good of all. It isn't peculiar to Buhari administration

But

Within the present arrangement, Buhari needs to take the cleanup seriously, make the NDDC and ND Affairs Ministry effective, ensure that there is improved security in the region and stop his reckless speeches that incite people against him. Importantly, he should stop being a nepotist in his appointments.



That's all!

I am forced to agree with you that our problems are not Buhari-specific. While Buhari has made some funny statements and shown a biased pattern of appointments, I believe our problems do not stem from him but the brother-betray-brother mindset of our people.

The ND affairs ministry and other Niger Delta projects do not cover the entire spread of the Niger Delta and are mainly localized in Ijaw land, so also the case with the amnesty deal. Other ethnic groups are feeling embittered and resentments are building up. The blame here is not on Ijaws but on the biased government that deliberately ignores the plights of other ethnic groups in the Delta such as Urhobo-Isoko, Itsekiri, Ibibio-Efik, Ogoni, Bini, etc. There has to be effective representation of all groups for peace to reign. The NDGJM is a proof of this. A group that has started to cause some catastrophe based on the perceived marginalization of the Urhobo-Isoko in peace deals and settlements. Next may probably be Ukwuani, Ogoni or Bini militants... Something has to be done!

Izonpikin:
what the niger delta clamors for is true federalism..

Just as things were before independence..

Will true federalism solve our problems? I think even before that, we need more states and geographical lines should be probably demarcated well. The Ijaws in Delta need to be harmonized with those in Bayelsa, same with Rivers & Ondo. The Urhobo-Isoko need their own state. The Anioma need theirs, while Itsekiri can opt to stay in Delta, Bayelsa or Edo States or even get theirs.

After this, we can then talk of federalism.

As things are now, it seems that some groups are getting the larger part of the largesse than others. This is building up resentments and envy and the government is at fault here. The sheer irony is that even the groups receiving attention have not received enough development from the government. Paying people certain amounts of money monthly is not the same as developing their lands. What will it take to link Warri with Ode-Itsekiri island and Oporoza.? Or Yenagoa and Nembe? Or Portharcourt and Bonny? The money is there. Other nations have done it. Why can't we do it?

Even with true federalism, which groups will enjoy the returns of the so-called "oil money" more? We need to reason this matter critically.

Urhobo don finally wake up

afanide:
Urhobo don finally wake up

It was not a sleep but a passive wakefulness.

Sadly, things have gone so South for us that we need to evaluate our stand properly. The mistake the government is doing is that other ethnic groups are underrated and only Ijaw is given attention. Well, things are about to change and the ideology is spreading like wildfire in Urhobo-Isoko land.

no one pays for the milk when he can get the whole cow for free.... until such a time as when true federalism, especially in regards to resource control comes into play, we well continue to see marginalization and worse afflicting the "minority" ethnic groups of the nigerdelta. another problem is the fact that urhobos donot present a united front in most issues the affect us as a people.... we will have to find a way to stand together or be scattered asunder by the might of the oppressive system of government we find ourselves shackled to...

daxlasaint:
no one pays for the milk when he can get the whole cow for free.... until such a time as when true federalism, especially in regards to resource control comes into play, we well continue to see marginalization and worse afflicting the "minority" ethnic groups of the nigerdelta. another problem is the fact that urhobos donot present a united front in most issues the affect us as a people.... we will have to find a way to stand together or be scattered asunder by the might of the oppressive system of government we find ourselves shackled to...

Oniovo you are right. Urhobos are too divided and self centered. This was what the Itsekiris used against us in the colonial days of Warri division. Isoko has broken off due to this lack of oneness. Okpe is claiming what and what not due to the lack of camaderie. Our kings are too much. Each is a god unto himself. Urhobos donot support one another. We would rather betray ourselves for the sake of peanuts. Our youths are also inheriting this foolishness.

We need to reevaluate our stand critically. Firstly, Urhobo and Isoko need to come as one to build a strong force. We need to harmonize our various political aspirations and create one big force that can move the government. Until we get this right, the divide and rule tactic will continue fueling our base divisive instincts. We keep saying "Urhobo Ovuovo" when what's at the back of our mind is too personal for that philosophy to work.

fratermathy:


Will true federalism solve our problems? I think even before that, we need more states and geographical lines should be probably demarcated well. The Ijaws in Delta need to be harmonized with those in Bayelsa, same with Rivers & Ondo. The Urhobo-Isoko need their own state. The Anioma need theirs, while Itsekiri can opt to stay in Delta, Bayelsa or Edo States or even get theirs.

After this, we can then talk of federalism.

As things are now, it seems that some groups are getting the larger part of the largesse than others. This is building up resentments and envy and the government is at fault here. The sheer irony is that even the groups receiving attention have not received enough development from the government. Paying people certain amounts of money monthly is not the same as developing their lands. What will it take to link Warri with Ode-Itsekiri island and Oporoza.? Or Yenagoa and Nembe? Or Portharcourt and Bonny? The money is there. Other nations have done it. Why can't we do it?

Even with true federalism, which groups will enjoy the returns of the so-called "oil money" more? We need to reason this matter critically.

with true federalism we will have a situation where you control what you produce and pay the appropriate taxes from said product.... like if you find oil in your back yard it belongs to you and not the almighty government... then you can truly be responsible for your own progress

daxlasaint:


with true federalism we will have a situation where you control what you produce and pay the appropriate taxes from said product.... like if you find oil in your back yard it belongs to you and not the almighty government... then you can truly be responsible for your own progress

Then again, with some ethnic groups claiming land that belongs to others, i.e. the Warri case, how can we truly know who gets what and who doesn't? Some of our political leaders and monarchs are VERY CORRUPT. In fact, we sit at the heart of corruption. How then can the gains of our collective wealth be shared when those at the helm of affairs are self centered?

True federalism will only enrich the few if corruption and divisive politics are not eradicated. Our detractors will just watch us burn ourselves as we descend to civil strife except we get things right.

fratermathy:


Then again, with some ethnic groups claiming land that belongs to others, i.e. the Warri case, how can we truly know who gets what and who doesn't? Some of our political leaders and monarchs are VERY CORRUPT. In fact, we sit at the heart of corruption. How then can the gains of our collective wealth be shared when those at the helm of affairs are self centered?

True federalism will only enrich the few if corruption and divisive politics are not eradicated. Our detractors will just watch us burn ourselves as we descend to civil strife except we get things right.

you have a valid point.... greed and the inevitable corruption it breeds are part of the reasons we urhobos have it so bad, but here again the onus lies on us, especially the current generation to make the much needed change happen, to stand up and spit in the eye of tyrant even if we be labelled as rebels or disrespectful... if we cant stand up and face the possible repercussions then we do not deserve the rewards we so badly crave for...

Sadly enough the language the government understand is violence and rascality... If the Urhobo could go that way our voice would be heard.

Agimor:
Sadly enough the language the government understand is violence and rascality... If the Urhobo could go that way our voice would be heard.

That is the problem with Nigeria bro. The government hears only the sound of bombs and gunshots. In a federation, which Nigeria is, the federating units should be able to sit and discuss the terms of their unity. It's so sad that Nigeria is still backward in this global age.

point of correction. urhobos are not the second largest group in niger delta and are definiitely not up to 5 million. igbo are largest with upto 10 LGA and 7 in rivers and delta plus the ones in other ss states. so igbos in ss should be the ones crying not urhobo or ijaw

explorer250:
point of correction. urhobos are not the second largest group in niger delta and are definiitely not up to 5 million. igbo are largest with upto 10 LGA and 7 in rivers and delta plus the ones in other ss states. so igbos in ss should be the ones crying not urhobo or ijaw

Okay. Noted. This thread is about URHOBOS and NIGER DELTA.

fratermathy:


Will true federalism solve our problems? I think even before that, we need more states and geographical lines should be probably demarcated well. The Ijaws in Delta need to be harmonized with those in Bayelsa, same with Rivers & Ondo. The Urhobo-Isoko need their own state. The Anioma need theirs, while Itsekiri can opt to stay in Delta, Bayelsa or Edo States or even get theirs.

After this, we can then talk of federalism.

As things are now, it seems that some groups are getting the larger part of the largesse than others. This is building up resentments and envy and the government is at fault here. The sheer irony is that even the groups receiving attention have not received enough development from the government. Paying people certain amounts of money monthly is not the same as developing their lands. What will it take to link Warri with Ode-Itsekiri island and Oporoza.? Or Yenagoa and Nembe? Or Portharcourt and Bonny? The money is there. Other nations have done it. Why can't we do it?

Even with true federalism, which groups will enjoy the returns of the so-called "oil money" more? We need to reason this matter critically.

true federalism is a start..remember how integrated we were in times past before the madness started..

Federalism for a start would make us close knit since we would be dealing with ourselves in smaller groups so to speak..

But we would have one serious problem..

Our dumb foolish goatish leaders..our leaders in the niger delta are rotten and useless..



With wonderful leadership and true federalism we would be muah...

In Nigeria, violent groups/agitators are easily acknowledged by the govt and pacified with either contracts, cash or political appointments. Infact they are accorded special recognition and their opinions on some related issues are usually sought the way serious minded people seek for consultants.

Sincerely, violent agitation for something that ordinarily shouldn't elicit violence seem the preferable language of the Nigerian state. Because the Nigerian state isnt known to do what she is supposed to do, frustrated and otterly disenfrachised citizens are usually left with no option but agitation. One has to give it to the Ijaws tho, for mastering the art of "taking it by force".

Ijaws have been the utmost beneficiaries of the "Niger Delta struggle", and with good measure as they have invested more human and material resources to the agitation. It is a pure case of reaping where you have sown. I know other ethnicities watched in envy as they occupied almost every position available to Niger deltans, simply because Niger delta as a name should be all encompassing but have now almost unilaterally become an Ijaw thing.

The way out is for other ethnicities to contribute more into the struggle. I am not clamouring for violence as it may backfire but to dialogue with the FG peacefully, having a sincerity of purpose and also taking steps to prevent economic sabotage as a way of showing govt that we are partners in the development of our region.

NB: I dont think Urhobo are dominant in ND as u claim, except the Ijaw who span across states of the ND, its everyman for him kitchen.

Fratermathy

I am Igbo. My solutions to the ND issues are

1. Govt should develop other revenue generating potentials in the region like the seaport

2. South South should be made up of 7 States so as to better accommodate the diversity

3. Govt should buy off some of the oil wells owned by non indigenes of ND and put the oil wells on public offer whereby only ND folks can buy shares into them and therefore make this oil wealth accessible to NIGER DELTA citizens


These are my thoughts

explorer250:
point of correction. urhobos are not the second largest group in niger delta and are definiitely not up to 5 million. igbo are largest with upto 10 LGA and 7 in rivers and delta plus the ones in other ss states. so igbos in ss should be the ones crying not urhobo or ijaw

Theres no large population of Igbo in South-south but Igbo speaking ethic groups(Igboid). Urhobo is an Edo speaking ethnic group(Edoid). Going by ur logic, if i add up urhobo, isoko, bini,esan,etsako LGA it will be more dan igbo LGA.

Hi 24SEVEN, the Urhobos are dominant in Niger-delta. They dominated Old Bendel. They have the largest village in bayelsa(i heard they play active politics in bayelsa too). They dominate in private businesses in rivers state. U wont notice their dominance becos they lack unity.

Ijaw is eating all the bread. Lmao!

[s]

jared007:
Hi 24SEVEN, the Urhobos are dominant in Niger-delta. They dominated Old Bendel. They have the largest village in bayelsa(i heard they play active politics in bayelsa too). They dominate in private businesses in rivers state. U wont notice their dominance becos they lack unity.

[/s]

jared007:
Hi 24SEVEN, the Urhobos are dominant in Niger-delta. They dominated Old Bendel. They have the largest village in bayelsa(i heard they play active politics in bayelsa too). They dominate in private businesses in rivers state. U wont notice their dominance becos they lack unity.

Very true. Our lack of unity is our own undoing!

We have a large village in bayelsa but I don't know if it's the largest. Our people are present in large numbers in Rivers, Edo, Ondo and Bayelsa. We play active politics in Delta and Bayelsa. We would have been better recognised but our people can be so selfish at times and they put themselves first before the Urhobo nation.

fratermathy:



Very true. Our lack of unity is our own undoing!

We have a large village in bayelsa but I don't know if it's the largest. Our people are present in large numbers in Rivers, Edo, Ondo and Bayelsa. We play active politics in Delta and Bayelsa. We would have been better recognised but our people can be so selfish at times and they put themselves first before the Urhobo nation.

Okay, what kind of recognition are the urhobos going to get differently from what they have now.. im my opinion, nothing spectacular from what they have already achieved.

The key to it all is for the Urhobos to ensure an Urhoboman is either the governor of delta or a minister of the federal cabinet at every given. If they can have both, better. If you truly are a majority, utilise it.

Also Urhobos should lobby for the senator from delta central be given lucrative senate position/chairmanship. Thats the way to go.

fratermathy:

Okay. Noted. This thread is about URHOBOS and NIGER DELTA.

Oniovo mavor.. y did you even reply that 1... remember how they derailed your thread the other time.. please ignore them this tym around.

Isn't it funny this thread didn't hit FP ?, Seun, Lalasticlala , mynd44 pls do something about this .. Thanks.

Fratermathy i salute your courage and patriotism towards the Urhobo nation and i hope you continue with this.. Well am not going to say much.. Tonyebarcanista already said something meaningful.. What we need is True federalism, After that we can discuss other issue.

One major problem is that we (Urhobo) are nt united, Take for example during the warri Crisis most Urhobo clan acted like its non of there business .

jared007:
Hi 24SEVEN, the Urhobos are dominant in Niger-delta. They dominated Old Bendel. They have the largest village in bayelsa(i heard they play active politics in bayelsa too). They dominate in private businesses in rivers state. U wont notice their dominance becos they lack unity.

yes i created a thread about the Urhobo's in Bayelsa..

24SEVEN:



Okay, what kind of recognition are the urhobos going to get differently from what they have now.. im my opinion, nothing spectacular from what they have already achieved.

The key to it all is for the Urhobos to ensure an Urhoboman is either the governor of delta or a minister of the federal cabinet at every given. If they can have both, better. If you truly are a majority, utilise it.

Also Urhobos should lobby for the senator from delta central be given lucrative senate position/chairmanship. Thats the way to go.

That, my friend, is where our problem comes from. Urhobos donot lobby for one another.

In terms of governorship, we control that. It was only rotated to Anioma due to the clamour for equity. We still control the machineries of Delta government at executive and legislative levels.
However, that control is superficial. We aren't using it for anything but to enrich the elite few who have refused to leave power. The power is not used for development but for the sponsorship of thugs, ethnic rivalry, power tussles, etc.

As for Ministerial appointments, we were shortchanged by Buhari in this administration. He marginalized us and gave the slot to Anioma, same people that have the governorship. Even if we have it, as we have had in times past, the ministers work for only their party and themselves without any visible plan for developing their people.

The current Urhobo senator is active in the house but if any watery position is zoned to the Niger Delta, his own brothers will betray him and hijack it because he is alone there and has no one to support him.

In all, my point is that Urhobos are our own enemies. We need to unify ourselves first before we can gain the recognition we want but even at that, the government still needs to operate a central all encompassing system so that we won't feel neglected or left out.

fratermathy:


That, my friend, is where our problem comes from. Urhobos donot lobby for one another.

In terms of governorship, we control that. It was only rotated to Anioma due to the clamour for equity. We still control the machineries of Delta government at executive and legislative levels.
However, that control is superficial. We aren't using it for anything but to enrich the elite few who have refused to leave power. The power is not used for development but for the sponsorship of thugs, ethnic rivalry, power tussles, etc.

As for Ministerial appointments, we were shortchanged by Buhari in this administration. He marginalized us and gave the slot to Anioma, same people that have the governorship. Even if we have it, as we have had in times past, the ministers work for only their party and themselves without any visible plan for developing their people.

The current Urhobo senator is active in the house but if any watery position is zoned to the Niger Delta, his own brothers will betray him and hijack it because he is alone there and has no one to support him.

In all, my point is that Urhobos are our own enemies. We need to unify ourselves first before we can gain the recognition we want but even at that, the government still needs to operate a central all encompassing system so that we won't feel neglected or left out.

If the leaders are too myopic to see beyond their nose, then its up to you and like-minds to join Urhobo progressives societies and ensure this matter is raised.

Since Urhobo only has one senator, they are not dominant in ND. I give it to Ijaws, Igbos and Efik/Ibibio. But you guys try.

fratermathy:


Secessionists should stay off this thread. This is not a thread for bickering and claiming what or what not.

Urhobo nation believes strongly in Project Nigeria. We only demand for better treatment and to be given our due.

I want to expose you and this fradulent thread by asking you 3 basic questions.

1) You believe in the Nigerian project but only demand that you be treated better and given your due right? What if the Nigerian project never ever treats you right or gives you your due? Are you going to then believe in the Nigerian project forever until Lord Lugard ressurects to create the next project you will believe in?

2) As an Uroboh man, what is your connection with an Efik man, Ogoja man, Ibibio man, Oron man? How are these people your people? So what is the Niger Delta project?

3) What about the Igbos in your so called Niger Delta? Asaba your capital city is an Igbo city. I want know where the Igbos in Delta state figure in this thread in relation to the Igbo nation as a whole