The Delta State Governor, Arthur Ifeanyi Okowa, Thursday said Nigeria as a country will divide the very day the South-South region decided to join struggle for the actualisation of Biafra Republic.
“Nigeria will divide the very day the South-South agrees to join Biafra,” Governor Okowa declared at the Niger Delta Peace and Security Summit held in Koko, Warri North Local Government Area.
Governor Okowa, who was represented by his Executive Assistant/Directorate of Orientation, Barr. Eugene. A. Uzum, said some parts of Nigeria were being oppressed just as he cautioned that peace may continue to elude us as a people.
According to him, until the people in the South-South unite, they cannot move forward.
He noted that the, “Federal Character system and ethnics” in the country have been grossly mismanaged by our leaders.
Governor Okowa, who identified ethnicity as one of the biggest problems of Nigeria said, “Unless you are from a particular tribe in this country, you cannot secure a job. Unless you have one big man somewhere, you cannot get a job.
“Those who control the security apparatus are Hausas. A particular tribe runs the security apparatus.”
Governor Okowa also said “hate speeches” are also part of the problems of Nigeria.
The Governor, who lamented the alleged injustice in the country, said the crude oil in the South-South region is being used to develop every part of the country, stressing that, “This is denigration.”
He also pointed out that the gold in Zamfara State and other solid minerals in the Northern region were left only for a few “cabals” and some “generals” with their companies to mine until bandits started killing people.
While noting that the mineral resources in the South-South region are very attractive, Governor Okowa said peace has deluded the Niger Delta people just as he blamed its leaders in the area for their woes.
Governor Okowa, who spoke on the topic, “Peace and Security in the Niger Delta, the way forward,” said for the security operatives to have peace in the Niger Delta, they must keep the peace, stressing that, “Niger Delta is a wounded territory.”
