What Do Ogbia People Want In 2019? By Wisdom Oniekpar Ikuli

The great and most blessed Ancient Ogbia Kingdom was centre of Political Civilization and Orientation because of the exceptional leadership role, model and personality of our great sage, legend, father, and hero Chief (Sen.) Dr. Melford Obiene Okilo CON.

Our small population compared to other larger ethnic nationalities was never a source of weakness, rather it helped to unite us and also build us stronger and better.

Ogbia people are like Israelites, they are few in terms of population but very powerful. Israel is surrounded by enemy nations that are very hostile and are always looking for opportunity to exterminate and annihilate them, but their total believe, trust and dependence on God has kept them above their assailants, aggressors and antagonists.

Beside the fact that Ogbia is the CRADLE of Crude Oil and Gas wealth in the whole of West Africa, Ogbia contributed immensely in the building of the post-Independence Nigeria politically. Okilo was at the centre of the whole thing especially the formation of the First National Government during the First Republic.

It is on record that it was Okilo that built the Political Bridge and Tie between the Niger Delta and Northern Nigeria.

Some of his opponents made mockery of him when he left the shores of the Niger Delta and crossed over the River Niger even when there were no bridges, they had to ferry him across the famous River Niger just for him to go and build friendship that has resulted to what we are seeing today including the Dr. Goodluck Jonathan Presidency.

Ogbia was the Political Jerusalem of the Niger Delta. Most people from other ethnic groups wanted to be like Ogbia people who were very outstanding politically because of our political consciousness and orientation.

Ogbia people were never treated as minorities. We were never oppressed or marginalized. We were never discriminated against. We were never subjugated. We were respected and held in highest esteem because of our political consciousness. We were envied because we were a Light that illuminated others.

Ogbia excelled politically because, like the Jews and Israelites, our leaders always presented the best brains. Ogbia always presented people that will go and bring back the trophy and indeed, our Representatives never failed us.

But all those good news and goodwill that we enjoyed and we were known for and always associated with have become history. Ogbia that was First as the Driver have left that exalted Seat and we are now struggling in the back seat where the fume, bad smoke that is oozing out of the damaged exhaust pipe in the old, rickety vehicle called Nigeria is suffocating our great people almost to the point of death. A great and most blessed people who were once the envy of all have overtime become objects of mockery because of our repeated mistakes.

Politically and development wise, we are at the bottom of the ladder. Ogbia was Second in terms of Voting Strength but today, we are placed sixth. We have suddenly lost our voice because we do not have people who are talking. Our elected Representatives do not talk because they are deficient. They do not know how to talk. They are not courageous. They are suffering from inferiority complexes. Those of us outside are talking but such are not creating the desire impacts because we are outside. For you to change any system, you must be part of that system. You cannot change any system from outside.

Ogbia is not bewitched. We are not hypnotized. Our problems are not from outside neither are they unknown. We problems are simply because of poor leadership. Poor representation. The moment we get it right, Ogbia will automatically and naturally regain her lost glory among comity of ethnic nations and nationalities.

Let us elect new breed of competent, accessible and accountable representatives who will be responsible and accountable to the masses, the hoi-polloi and Electorates who employ them with their Votes.

I see a very great Light ahead. Ogbia shall bounce back stronger, greater and more united.

Ogbia! Ogbia! Ogbia Alua!

Ogbia Na Don!

DISCLAIMER: the views expressed at purely those of the author.[no-sidebar]