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Tuesday, June 21, 2016

North can't own oil in Niger Delta -Ankio Briggs

~TheSUN, Nigeria. Sunday, June 19, 2016

NIGER Delta activist, Ankio Briggs has said that the claim by some Northern lead­ers that the North owns the oil in Nigeria by virtue of its control of 72% of the nation's landmass, is nonsensical. Briggs in this interview with TONY JOHN in Port Har­court, Rivers state stressed that the oil rich Niger Delta remains the economic livewire of the country. Excerpts...

How do you react to the claim by the North that mineral resources in Nigeria, including oil in the Niger Delta belongs to them because they have the largest landmass?

There is nothing much to say on that, unless if one wants to go into process of argument. It is an irrational claim to re­sources. How on earth does it make sense to anybody, that what is in the Niger Delta belongs to the North? It is so irrational. It is almost foolish for such a claim. There is nothing to input there. I won't waste time to try to prove that they are wrong. All I can say is that, if truly they so believe, let them all come down to the Niger Delta and lay claim to the oil. Federal Government, for instance, is the one claiming ownership by the constitution. So, if they are now say­ing that the oil resources in the creeks and mangroves of the Niger Delta belong to them, they should come down to the creeks and swamps with their cows and herdsmen and plant their onions and tomatoes in the creeks and swamps. It is foolish and quite irrational for anybody, who is an educated person to make such a claim. I think it does not deserve a response.

On the abandoned Confab re­port...?



It is rather a pity. I think that, sometimes, naturally, when things are meant to go wrong or right , depending on which di­vides one belongs to, the will of God will definitely be done. The fact that the national conference took place is not a guarantee the report would be implemented. This is not the first conference, discussion that was held in Nigeria. There have been so many reports on the Niger Delta. There have been so many recommendations in reports about Nigeria the government has refused to implement. If today, President Muhammadu Buhari says he is not going to implement, or even look at the report of 2014 National Conference, it does not surprise me. What I need to say about that is that, the 2014 National Conference is not about President Buhari; it was not about President Goodluck Jonathan. It is about the people of Nigeria. That con­ference, we discussed everything about Nigeria, except the break-up of Nigeria. Some of the discussion led to the conclu­sion that if we cannot achieve it, let Nige­ria break. But, we did not go there. We did not discuss the break-up of Nigeria. Some of the issues we discussed were the issues of local government; that local govern­ment should be maintained from the state. I want to see how Kano State can main­tain 44 local governments. Kano is using the money that is looted from the Niger Delta region, local governments and the oil companies that are partners there. Bayelsa State that produces the largest quantity of the resource that Nigeria is using has eight local governments. While a state like Rivers, which produces huge amount of oil gets only 23 local govern­ments. On the national conference, we discussed the issue of grazing bill and it was completely knocked out. But, they are trying to bring it in through the back door. The money that is owed the Niger Delta Development Commission, we agreed that it should be paid to the com­mission. We also discussed the issue of self-determination and indigenous people to be able to determine whether to have self-determination. It was well discussed at the national conference. We also dis­cussed the issue of revenue allocation percentage. It was at this stage I deviated from my committee. I disagreed with them on the 13 percentage that should go to the Niger Delta. The fact that the presi­dent today said he never supported the national conference, it is not about him. It is about millions of Nigerian people well represented at the national conference. Some of the agitation in Nigeria today, and future agitation, would be failure of the government to implement core areas in the report of the 2014 National Confer­ence. I repeat, the National Conference report is not about one person; it is defi­nitely not about President Muhammadu Buhari. It is about the people that make the south, north, east and west, all the eth­nic groups that make up Nigeria. Failure to implement any core area of the report is going to be very dangerous for Nigeria in the future. It would lead to more agitation. It would be very dangerous for anybody who loves Nigeria to insist that, that will not be implemented.

How do you see the re-emer­gence of militancy, particularly Niger Delta Avengers?

I think that the re-emergence of armed agitation in Niger Delta should not come as a surprise to anybody. Why should it come as a surprise? The core issues of Ni­ger Delta people have not been addressed. This issue did not start today, or when Jonathan became president. It started way back in the days of King Jaja of Opobo, Nana of Itsekiri, that rose against the co­lonial government. Nigeria has always been governed for economic benefit. If you look back, you will see that the re-emergence of armed agitators started way back. There was this agitation before in­dependence was given. The Niger Delta region was given grade 'A' by the British government, which means that the region should be given priority attention for de­velopment because of its terrain. That was why the Niger Delta River Basin Devel­opment Commission was established. But, the North also went and clamoured and similar commission was established. It was not part of the initial arrangement. The North was a grade 'B' in terms of de­velopment because it requires less money to develop compared to the Niger Delta. Take note, for many years back, the mainstay of the economy of the country is oil and gas. Till today, Niger Delta is producing the mainstay of the economy of the country. Niger Delta is the eco­nomic life of Nigeria. Without the Niger Delta oil and gas, today, as we are talk­ing, Nigeria will collapse economically. So, when you look back, you remember, Adaka Boro came and had a 12 day war; Saro Wiwa came up and declared non-violent agitation for equity and justice for his Ogoni people, which was quite right and I support it. From that day till today, Ogoni oil is still remaining in Ogoni land. The oil has not left Ogoni soil. And I con­tinue to wonder, have Ogoni people been incarcerated? Have they been wiped out? So, why is it that there must be an attack when Ijaw people make their position known? I am not surprised that we have the issues of Niger Delta Avengers. Then, MEND was offered amnesty. Under the same circumstances, amnesty was of­fered, Gbaramatu was attacked. Tompolo was being looked for by the same Federal Government. Amnesty was offered by late President Umaru Yar'Adua because oil dropped. Today, we learnt that oil has dropped that low. If you balance the barrel Nigeria is selling at present, you would discover that the country has lost much. The situation in Nigeria is worse.

Look at the price of dollar, rising to N370 per dollar as at today. Nigeria is in trouble. So, I am not surprised one group is armed for agitation in Niger Delta, because neither the NDDC, OM­PADEC, Ministry of Niger Delta Af­fairs can solve the issues of Niger Delta clamour for equity and justice. They can­not be pacified by NDDC, OMPADEC, or Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs. The region can only be pacified by true fis­cal federalism. I believe that the Niger Delta people are justified to demand for fiscal federalism. We must address the is­sue; we cannot run away from the truth. We must address that issue that unites us as people. Look, my brother, we have a country that has 36 states; a country that shifted its capital from Lagos to Abuja in 30 years. And what developed Abuja and will continue to develop Abuja is coming from Niger Delta. Continue to tell me that, that situation will still go on and I cannot account for 13 percent, is really blackmail and Niger Delta will no longer accept it. So, that question, if you are asking me to account for 13 per­cent of my property, I want to ask you, what will you say you have done with 87 percent of my own that you have been stealing from me? In fact, states that can­not pay salaries of their workers should collapse the same way they came. That is why we are calling for true fiscal fed­eralism. It is not proper that you use the resources of nine oil producing states to develop the rest states out of the 36 states in country. That is why there will still be re-emergence of armed agitators.

The difference between Niger Delta Avengers and what I am going about doing is, I am a non-violent agitator for equity for the South-South and South East people and for the Middle Belt. The difference between me and the Avengers is, they have chosen to carry arm. The Niger Delta Avengers could be from any­where. If Fulani herdsmen could come from other countries, who is sure that they (Avengers) are Ijaw people? I think it is victimization on the part of Federal Government. I think there is plan by the Federal Government to alienate the Ijaw people and take their land and resources from them. Why must Federal Govern­ment look for the Niger Delta Avengers in the Ijaw territory? Are we the only people in the Niger Delta? It is unfair and unacceptable and to create impression that Ijaw people are violent; and I am highly offended by it. In fact, Nigeria is governed on the tripod of corruption. Can it be said that corruption that cuts across the country, it is Ijaw people that are cul­pable? That is unacceptable.

No comments:

THE IGBO RANT

I am an Igbo, I was born an Igbo, I live the life of an Igbo, I come from Igbo, I speak Igbo, I like to be Igbo, I like to dress in Igbo, I eat Igbo food, my heritage, culture and tradition is Igbo, my parents are Igbo.

Am sorry I cannot help it if you hate my lineage. Am sorry I cannot help it if you detest Igbo, am sorry I cannot help it if you hate me because am Igbo. Igbo is who I am, my name is Igbo and I must die an Igbo.

You see Igbo as a threat, why? You call Igbo rapist, criminals, ritualist, prostitutes, kidnappers. You attribute all negative vices to represent Igbo? Why do you do that? You do because you feel threatened that Igbo might outrun the rest of the tribes. Why do you hate Igbo and despise us? You do that because we are creative, enlightened, hardworking, industrious, genius, intelligent, smart, rich, beautiful and amazing. But its difficult for you to admit it because you feel jealous of my race.

Igbo do not own politics, Igbo do not control the economy neither do we control the natural resources and the common wealth of the nation. You do, we don't and yet, despite the fact that you own everything, we still remain one indispensable race that has outshined the other race in all ramifications.

You fear us because you want to exterminate and annihilate our race, you deny us many things and yet we are stronger, richer and mightier. You fear us because we are everywhere. You fear us because no matter how rural a place might be, when Igbo steps in, they turn it into a Paradise. We have our own resources, which lies in resourcefulness, we do not bother you and your control over the polity, but yet when we cough you and the other race begin to shiver.

Am proud being an Igbo, am proud of my heritage and culture. Igbo means high class, Igbo means independence, Igbo means hard work and strength, Igbo means riches, Igbo means resourcefulness, Igbo means self belonging, Igbo means self esteem, Igbo means pride, Igbo means swag.

Udo diri unu umunnem.
# IgboAmaka
# AnyiBuNdiMmeri

Michael Ezeaka
------------------------------

This is beautiful poetry ...

In response to Alaba Ajibola, the Babcock Lecturer Hate Speech against Igbos.

BIBLICAL TRADITIONS OF NDI IGBO BEFORE THE MISSIONARIES CAME TO AFRICA* IGBO 101.

1. NSÓ NWANYĮ
In Igboland women live apart from their husbands and neither cook for them nor enter their husband's quarters when they are in their period. They are seen as unclean. Even up till today such practice is still applicable in some parts of Igboland especially by the traditionalists. Before a woman can enter the palace of Obi of Onitsha, she will be asked if she is in her period, if yes, she will be asked to stay out.

Leviticus 15: 19-20
When a woman has her monthly period, she remains unclean, anyone who touches her or anything she has sat on becomes unclean.

2. ANA OBI
An Igbo man's ancestral heritage, called “Ana Obi” is not sellable, elders will not permit this. If this is somehow done due to the influence of the West the person is considered a fool and is ostracized by the community.

1 Kings 21:3
I inherited this vineyard from my ancestors, and the Lord forbid that I should sell it, said Naboth.

3. IKUCHI NWANYĮ
Igbos have practiced the taking of a late brother's wife into marriage after she had been widowed until the white men came. Now it is rarely done but except in very rural villages.

Deuteronomy 25:5
A widow of a dead man is not to be married outside the family; it is the duty of the dead man's brother to marry her.

4. ĮGBA ODIBO
In Igboland, there is a unique form of apprenticeship in which either a male family member or a community member will spend six (6) years (usually in their teens to their adulthood) working for another family. And on the seventh year, the head of the host household, who is usually the older man who brought the apprentice into his household, will establish (Igbo: idu uno) the apprentice
by either setting up a business for him or giving money or tools by which to make a living.

Exodus 21:2
If you buy a Hebrew slave, he shall serve you for six years. In the seventh year he is to be set free without having to pay you anything.

5. IRI JI OFŲŲ
In Igboland , the yam is very important as it is their staple crop. There are celebrations such as the New yam festival (Igbo: Iri Ji) which are held for the harvesting of the yam. New Yam festival (Igbo: Iri ji) is celebrated annually to secure a good harvest of the staple crop. In the olden days it is an abomination for one to eat a new harvest before the festival. It's a tradition that you give the gods of the land first as a thanksgiving.

Deuteronomy 16:9
Count 7 weeks from the time that you begin to harvest the crops, and celebrate the harvest festival to honor the lord your God, by bringing him a freewill offering in proportion to the blessing he has given you. Celebrate in the Lord's presence together with your children, servants, foreigners. Be sure that you obey my command, said the Lord.

6. IBE UGWU
In Igboland it's a tradition that the male children are circumcised on the 8th day. This tradition is still practiced till date.

Leviticus 12:3
On the eighth day, the child shall be circumcised.

7. ÓMŲGWÓ
In Igboland, there is a practice known as "ile omugwo ". After a woman has given birth to a child, a very close and experienced relative of hers, in most cases her mother is required by tradition to come spend time with her and her husband. During which she is to do all the work of the wife, while the new mom's only assignment to the baby will be to breastfeed. This goes on for a month or more. In the Igbo old tradition, at this time, the new mom lives apart from her husband, would not cook or enter his quarters.

Leviticus 12:1-4
For seven days after a woman gives birth, she is ritually unclean as she is during her monthly period. It will be 33 days until she is ritually clean from the loss of blood; she is not to touch anything that is holy.

THE IGBO TRIBE AND ITS FEAR OF EXTINCTION

The Igbo tribe is in a serious problem and danger of extinction for the following reasons:

50% of Igbos are born outside Igbo land. Meaning that those children are not likely to live and work in Igbo land and cannot speak Igbo language but foreign language (Yoruba, Hausa, French, English).

40% of Igbos girls between the age of 25 & 45 are single with no hope of marriage because 35% of Igbo boys live overseas and they have all married white ladies.

75% of Igbo youths leave Igbo land every year in search of opportunities in Yoruba, Hausa land or overseas.

85 % of Igbos have family houses and own investments outside Igbo land. They strongly believe in one Nigeria but failed to know that NO Yoruba or Hausa man has a family house or investment in Igbo land.

Igbos are the only people who believe that living outside their land is an achievement.

Igbos are the only tribe that celebrate their tradition outside their land e.g. Eze Ndi Igbo, Igbo Village in America and this is because they have family homes in foreign lands.

Igbos have failed to know that the children you have outside Igbo land especially overseas will never think of living in Igbo land. So what happens to the properties you are building for them when you are gone?

Igbos are the only tribe who see their land as a place to visit or a tourist site than a place to work and live.

Igbos are the only tribe who instead of promoting and appreciating their culture through movies and documentaries they have sought to ridicule it by portraying rituals, killings, wickedness, love for money and other social vices which were not originally inherent in our culture thereby cursing more harm than actually promoting their culture.

Igbos are the only people who without hesitation believe their history and description when it is told or written by an enemy or a foreigner. E.g. that you do not love yourselves or that you love money.

Igbos are the ONLY largest tribe on earth who fought for their independence and failed to achieve their freedom after 40 years.

Igbos are the only tribe who fails to honour their brave heroes and heroines especially the innocent children starved to death during the Biafran war.

Igbos are the only tribe who embraced their enemy after a bloody civil war and subsequently become slaves.

Igbos do not find it necessary to teach their own version of history to their children.

Igbos fight for marginalisation in Nigeria but has no collective strength or teeth to bite.

Igbos how long are you going to fight for your relevance in Nigeria?

How long are you going to fight for a functional airport, rail networks and other structural establishments that underpin sustainable development?

How long are you prepared to wait for your enemy to guide you to your destiny?

Oh Igbos!
Where are your leaders?

Unfortunately, none of them live and work in Igbo land. If you wish to save the future of your children, your identity, your generation and your race then you need freedom and that freedom is Biafra.

Ukpana Okpoko gburu bu nti chiri ya!

By Chime Eze
#COPIED

The Igbo: We die for causes, not for personalities

Written by Emeka Maduewesi

~on fb. 28th September, 2016.


The Igbo will never die for anyone. We will not even riot for anyone. But the Igbo will die for any cause they believe in because the Igbo have a true sense of justice and a determination to obtain it.


The Igbo will not riot because one of their own lost an election. Operation Wetie was the Western response to a massively rigged 1965 election. The Yoruba doused fellow Yorubas in petrol and burnt them alife. Properties were burnt with occupants. The Igbo will never do this.


In 1983, the Yoruba went on a rampage again over the massive rigging by NPN. Lifes were lost and properties destroyed. The riots were over personalities.


Contrast that with Anambra State where Chief Emeka Ojukwu was rigged out by his own NPN, who also rigged out Chief Jim Nwobodo. The Igbo did not protest because the goat's head is still in the goat's bag.


In the North, ba muso was the battle cry when Sultan Dasuki was imposed on the Sokoto Caliphate. The riot and protest lasted for days and crippled economic activities.


The Igbo will riot over issues and causes. The Aba Women Riot was over Tax. The Enugu coal mine riot was about conditions of service. The Ekumeku Uprising was over British colonialization.


Those of "Ekumeku" ancestry - Umu Eze Chima and Umu Nri - were at the forefront of the struggles for Nigerian independence, with people like Dr. A A Nwafor Orizu and Chief Osita Agwuna serving prison terms. Any struggles the parents could not conclude is continued by the children by other means.


The Biafran war was a response to the genocide. The war in fact was brought upon us. The battlefield was Eastern Region. The war ended in 1970 but the issues and causes were not resolved. That is where we are today.


The Igbo will also jointly rise to fight evil in their midst. They did it in Onitsha in the 1980's, Owerri in the 90's, and with Bakkassi in the 2000.


The Igbo will not die for any man. But the Igbo will stand by any man who symbolizes their cause and their pursuit of justice. Even if the man dies, the struggle continues, and like the Ekumeku warriors, the children will pick up the baton from their parents.


This is the Igbo I know, the Igbo I am, and the Igbo we are. This is my story. Feel free to tell yours.

RT. HON. DR. NNAMDI AZIKIWE TO DR. CHUBA OKADIGBO (1981)

"My boy, may you live to your full potential, ascend to a dizzy height as is possible for anyone of your political description in your era to rise. May you be acknowledged world-wide as you rise as an eagle atop trees, float among the clouds, preside over the affairs of fellow men.... as leaders of all countries pour into Nigeria to breathe into her ear.

But then, Chuba, if it is not the tradition of our people that elders are roundly insulted by young men of the world, as you have unjustly done to me, may your reign come to an abrupt and shattering close. As you look ahead, Chuba, as you see the horizon, dedicating a great marble palace that is the envy of the world, toasted by the most powerful men in the land, may the great big hand snatch it away from you. Just as you look forward to hosting the world’s most powerful leader and shaking his hands, as you begin to smell the recognition and leadership of the Igbo people, may the crown fall off your head and your political head fall off your shoulders.

None of my words will come to pass, Chuba, until you have risen to the very height of your power and glory and health, but then you will be hounded and humiliated and disgraced out of office, your credibility and your name in tatters forever...”
THE REST IS HISTORY AS EVERY WORD OF THE CURSE ON CHUBA CAME TO PASS.

LET'S BE AS PASSIONATE AS WE WANT TO AND BE MODERATE IN OUR CONTRIBUTIONS IN PUBLIC DISCUSSION TO ISSUES AS WORDS OF OUR ELDERS ARE WORDS OF WISDOM

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