Crude oil flowing in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria is the root cause of the warfare-like nature of politics in the country, according to Professor Godini Darah, a renowned scholar in Oral Literature, Folklore, and Cultural Sciences, as well as the Chairman of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Delta State chapter.
Speaking at a Niger Delta Town Hall Meeting organized by the National Point and sponsored by the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ) and MacArthur Foundation, Prof. Darah advocated for the people of Niger Delta to form their own political party.
He argued that the current political parties are controlled by the oligarchs and aristocrats, not representing the interests of the Niger Delta people.
“We need a structural change in the Niger Delta to ensure accountability in governance. The existing political parties do not belong to us; they further the cause of the oligarchy.
Niger Delta should establish its own political party to protect its interests because no other party will grant the region its rights.
The current parties contribute to the structural oppression of the region. The oil money is the reason our politics are filled with violence and warfare. Politicians are more interested in stealing than developing the Niger Delta,” he asserted.
Prof. Darah also criticized the current structural unitary system in the country, where subnational entities seek handouts from the federal government in Abuja, likening it to a state of slavery.
He called for the restructuring of the federation to ensure resource control.
The retired professor from Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka, called on the mainstream media outlets of Niger Delta origin to take the lead in reconstructing the region and freeing it from oppression by setting the agenda for politicians.
He emphasized the importance of the media focusing on the region’s interests and noted that the image of the Niger Delta should be presented positively.
Meanwhile, Professor Rose Aziza, in her address at the town hall meeting, advocated for a participatory democracy and electioneering process that includes youths, women, and persons with disabilities to improve governance in the country.
She stressed the need for more voter education and citizen awareness, as well as the deconstruction of historic marginalization and reconciliation to eliminate bitterness in the Niger Delta.
Additionally, she emphasized the importance of stamping out ethnicity and religious inclinations in the election process.
YOU SHOULD NOT MISS THESE HEADLINES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
Tinubu’s ministerial list: Disqualify Stella Okotete now, lawyer writes Senate
Abuja-based human rights lawyer, Oladotun Hassan, has asked Nigerian Senate to disqualify one of the ministerial nominees, Stella Okotete, over…
Nigerians have berated Aliko Dangote for his plans to hire 11,000 Indians at his new refinery rather than provide those jobs to…
Tinubu’s ministerial nominees’ profiles: Politicians, technocrats, party loyalists
Before the end of the 60 days deadline after the inauguration of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, he submitted a 28-man ministerial nomination list to…
#BBNaijaAllStars: Housemates win season’s first wager presentation
The highly anticipated eighth season of Big Brother Naija Allstars kicked off on Sunday, July 23rd, and the housemates wasted no time in…
Increased federal allocations and public welfare
AMID the growing misery of the vast majority of Nigerians following the removal of subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit and…
[PHOTOS] Shirt removal: ‘My dad not happy with my choice of celebration’, Asisat Oshoala reveals
Super Falcons forward, Asisat Oshoala, has disclosed that her choice of celebration after netting Nigeria’s third goal against…