On Channels TV this morning (22/6/2016), I watched a typical expression of what has given birth to the Peoples Nationalist Movement. For the benefit of those who don’t know what the movement stands for, the body is conceived by ordinary Nigerians to fight for the unity of Nigeria not as it is presently managed but in love, justice and equity for all in spite of ethnicity or religion.
The man was obviously incensed by the actions of the Ijaws of the Niger Delta Avengers ‘fame’ in (according to him) Itsekiri inhabited areas of Delta State. Khalil Oritsemeyiwa, an Itsekiri, profusely asserted that the Ijaws were not the only ethnic group in the Niger Delta and as only one out of about thirty other ethnic groups should not monopolize the struggle in the Niger Delta region. He confirmed in words and insinuations that there was no love lost between these ethnic minorities in the Niger Delta and basically advocated for inclusion of other ethnic groups in the dialogue proposed with the Federal Government.
This cacophony in areas agitating for secession is the bedrock of the ideology of the Peoples Nationalist Movement (ThePeNaMo). We have observed this in the Biafra, Oduduwa and Arewa agitations for secession and it is the exact same situation; the minorities within these enclaves do not speak in one voice and have no love or tolerance for each other. We strongly believe that even if we create a country per family, if we do not understand the formula to coexist in harmony by practicing the principles of love anchored on equity, justice and inclusivity, peace will still be a mirage. This is the formula for the peaceful and harmonious co-existence of mankind in all scenarios! Isn’t it obvious when you study all the Nations of the world in conflict?
Yes, there are very serious issues of neglect in the Niger Delta and South East and citizens have an inalienable right to agitate for attention but we don’t believe in secessionor destruction of our common patrimony. Rather, we in ThePeNaMo want Nigerians to come together and advocate for Government attention in all the areas that need development in a lawful manner. We should pressure the Government to be fair and just in all its actions and in its application of all resources in the federating regions. We can’t understand why a Northerner cannot advocate for the development of the Niger Delta/South East or why a Southerner cannot advocate for the rebuilding of the North East! We must resist leaders that promote sectionalism and tribalism by speaking out. If they remain recalcitrant to our prayers, we will organize ourselves and ensure they are voted out in the next elections and I’m talking about at all the tiers of government cause nepotism and favoritism is rife at all levels of government.
I have come across fair and good people in all parts of this country and in both major Religions who buy into this ideology because a fair person is a fair person and a selfish person is a selfish person, ethnicity or religion not withstanding so these issues should not divide discerning people. As a matter of fact, some Nigerians from the same ethnic nationality with some of our Chief Executives are embarrassed by the glaring favoritism of these their sons. We must identify great minds and detribalized Nigerians to lead this Nation at all levels.
We can no longer afford to let these leaders with Lilliputian minds of hate and prejudices ruin us further with their pettiness and myopia.We in this movement, by the grace of God, will thrive to speak out and resist evil and injustice wherever we find it – be it in the North, South, East or West.
Long live our dear Country Nigeria!!!!
Janet Ekong (Concerned Citizen wrote from Abuja)
www.thepeoplesnationalistmovement.blogspot.com or follow us on twitter @thepenamo
