THE CREEK PEN MEDIA: Niger Delta’s Forgotten Path — From Resource Control to Pipeline Mayguards
THE CREEK PEN MEDIA: Niger Delta’s Forgotten Path — From Resource Control to Pipeline Mayguards
By: Comrade Ofoyeju Douboerimini James
Political Analyst & Crusader for a Better Niger Delta
Published by: Prince Agbedeyi Odimientimi Desmond | Global Egberi Media International
Introduction
The Niger Delta — a region blessed beyond measure with natural and human resources — has been at the centre of Nigeria’s economic engine for over five decades. Yet, after more than 56 years of oil exploration, the communities of this oil-rich land remain trapped in underdevelopment, ecological decay, and political manipulation.
Comrade Ofoyeju Douboerimini James, in his latest reflection, challenges the soul of the Niger Delta struggle and calls for a reset to the original blueprint: RESOURCE CONTROL and self-determination, not short-term gains disguised as “opportunities.”
The Core Issue: A Misplacement of Priorities
Once upon a time, the Niger Delta’s fight was laser-focused on reclaiming control over its God-given resources. Today, that focus has shifted alarmingly towards pipeline surveillance contracts and token rewards — a mere distraction from the broader dream of regional transformation.
James laments: “We have long deviated from our original standpoint of fighting for resource control, in exchange for pipeline mayguards. What a misplacement of priorities!”
The federal government’s tactic is clear: dangle small benefits to divert attention from the vast wealth being extracted daily. But the real tragedy? Many in the region have settled for crumbs instead of demanding the full meal that could rebuild the Niger Delta into an Eldorado.
Questions That Demand Answers
The Comrade raises hard-hitting questions every Niger Deltan must answer:
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Is the small “benefit” from contracts really enough compared to the barrels of oil taken daily from our soil?
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Why settle for temporary comfort instead of generational development?
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Is the prestige of a pipeline contract truly more valuable than a transformed region?
The uncomfortable truth is that selfishness and shortsightedness have crippled collective bargaining power. As James puts it, “The major problem of the Niger Delta man is selfishness… we get lost and carried away with little offers.”
The Cultural Reminder: Ijaw Blood Never Runs Cold
History teaches us that the Niger Delta struggle has always been driven by its people — resilient, fearless, and unwilling to bow to injustice. James warns that the fight is far from over. Even if the struggle pauses, “before you know it, boom — a boy from the region will suddenly kickstart it again.”
With political tension brewing in Rivers State, he urges every Ijaw son and daughter to be vigilant and wary. The times are unpredictable, and complacency is a dangerous luxury.
Rejecting the Cheap Offers
The Comrade’s frustration is palpable: no matter how enticing the federal government’s packages may appear, they should never replace the Niger Delta’s core demand — full control of its resources and sustainable development.
Accepting crumbs is not just a betrayal of the present but a theft from future generations. Other ethnic nationalities in Nigeria have not forgotten their struggles; why should the Niger Delta abandon hers?
The Call to Action
This is not the time to trade the struggle for personal gain. It is not the time to allow political gimmicks to erase decades of sacrifices. It is the time to return to the original mission — self-actualization and full resource control.
James closes with a rallying cry: “Let us make amends, my good people of Izon nation.”
Date: Saturday, August 7
Tags: Niger Delta · Resource Control · Pipeline Surveillance · Ijaw Nation · Niger Delta Politics · The Creek Pen Media · Self-Actualization
Author: Prince Agbedeyi Odimientimi Desmond
Published by: Global Egberi Media International
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