Role of Ijaws in Diaspora in the Development of the Niger Delta
There is no doubt that we have a lot of Ijaws in diaspora: from Western Europe to the USA, there are a lot of Ijaw sons and daughters holding their heads up high in various endeavours. Most have struggled against various, often strange, cultural, racial, environmental and religious issues to succeed eventually in earning a living in these developed countries. This shows a lot of intelligence and determination amongst those in diaspora that can be harnessed for the growth of the Ijaws back home. But often this is not the case.
In these developed countries we know that ‘things work’: electricity, good roads, affordable housing , good drinking water, public transport etc. are available to most if not all. There is this whole seemingly invisible machinery that make these services clockwork-like. Ijaws in diaspora in these countries all work in the general machinery that help make ‘things work’ and I guess understand how then to make ‘things work’ and from their perspectives, having lived in Nigeria as well, would know why ‘things don’t work’ back home. And yes they do. Firstly, we lack a culture of commitment and dedication in most aspects of our public service, resulting in corruption, mismanagement, and loss of selflessness . The second reason is the relatively ineffective electoral process; this has emasculated the electorate, who then do not have a say in who gets elected as their representatives; such representatives are thus less-accountable to the public, and rather use their offices to enrich themselves at the expense of people-oriented programmes. The final result of this has been a near-complete detachment of the people from the electoral process.
At first when we emigrate to these countries we marvel at how things work and if we will ever fit in. After that we then wonder why things don’t work in Nigeria. Eventually we adapt to this existing culture and with it comes understanding: things work in these countries because there is a culture of people taking their jobs seriously: they do whatever they are employed or meant to do, honestly and on time. Simple as that! So there, this ‘machinery’ is made up of every one in these societies doing their timely bit. So why can’t we apply this apparently simple principle to our motherland? Because the present mindset is one of selfishness. This cuts across the Nigerian society. For us to make any headway, every one of us must lay this individual attitude to rest and think/act more openly towards each other. In other words, care a bit more about each other.
So what can we do about this? It does look very daunting trying to change a mindset and we might be tempted to give-up. But picture this: if we can come from Nigeria and, against all odds, adapt to the values in these developed countries, it shows something in us: capability. Nigerians back home are also capable of adapting to such values if we have the enabling environment. So our task as Ijaws in Diaspora is to somehow instill this mentality in our political class, civil service and indeed all Ijaws back home. It is a daunting task, no doubt, but we have to continuously chip away at it until it is done. And this is how we do it.
First of all we need to do it with a high level commitment , financially and otherwise. Secondly we must realize that the goals are long-term and not be discouraged by an apparent lack of immediate results.
Let us start with the very simple individual tasks. Every diaspora Ijaw needs to first focus on his town, village or community of origin. Most of us grew up and probably schooled in these villages; but education to a large extent afforded us the opportunity to better our lives outside. So we can in turn contribute, no matter how small, to help towards educating others. For instance, £50 or $100 every year can go a long way in providing text books in a secondary school in your community. So why not speak to a few students the next time you are home to find out the textbooks they would commonly use, buy a different set each year and donate to the school’s library. Yes, simple but from experience really helpful. You’d be surprised how helpful someone might find these books. In addition, each of us can also mentor children or students in our community: identify a few in your community that you think are suitable and serve as a mentor, guiding, supporting and encouraging them through their education and development to adulthood. This gives them someone responsible to look up to and might alone give a lot of hope, knowing you were once like them. Most importantly, it gives you the opportunity to instill some principles and values into each of them, such as the importance of staying focused and committed to their set goals, avoiding bad company, drug abuse etc. Lastly, what about encouraging formation of a board of governors for your local school with you as a member as well? That would definitely keep you in the picture of education in your locality. If you cannot find enough people for that, simply get the contact details of the principal and one or two teachers in the school and keep in touch with them, chipping in a few ideas of your own from time to time. And if you are not too bad financially, you might be able to help the odd very intelligent student from a poor background who may not be able to afford the N7,500.00 for his WAEC or JAMB fees.
Collectively we must have a strong identity. This is where the Ijaw unions come in. Our unions should serve as a strong strategic base for the Ijaws back home. With the individual experience acquired in various endeavours outside of Nigeria, plus most times far above-average intelligence, the diaspora Ijaws provide a considerable pool of knowledge to be tapped into to aid development back home. We must thus organize ourselves into very focused unions and each meet our financial commitments to such unions. The overall aim of such unions should be to further the development of the Ijaw race especially back home. Every year or two each union should set out a developmental agenda for its state especially on education, health, infrastructure etc. and map out strategy for their realization. These may then be presented to the state governments. There should also be a mechanism in place to appraise performance of the state governments (see below).They must not fail to voice their concerns or criticize the government when necessary. To do this effectively the representatives of the unions must be non partisan and shun any habit of courting contractual favours from government officials: this inherently breeds distrust between the government, the public and the unions.
Suggested Steps for Appraising Performance of State Governments:
1. Meet with state governments within first year in office to obtain developmental goals for the tenure of the administration and offer suggestions.
2. Publish such goals in a newsletter if any or on Ijaw fora
3. Yearly independent appraisal to see if goals are being met
4. Feedback findings to the government and publish results
5. Final assessment prior to expiration of tenure
6. Feedback results to government and decide on areas that need continuity and/or improvement
7. Meet with new government as soon as possible and continue Step 1.
The unions must also establish a mechanism to ensure representation when key decisions are made such as during the Niger Delta stake-holder meetings. And with the increasing role of the NDDC, they may seek involvement in charting the overall developmental compass for this umbrella organization.
Another vital role of the Ijaw unions should be to establish a presence during crisis times, liaising between the government, law enforcement institutions, traditional rulers and the communities if necessary.
Internationally, the Ijaw unions are already actively involved in creating awareness of the plight of the Niger Delta in general. But more needs to be done. We need to court and liaise with international organizations aspiring to or already partaking in solving the problems of our region, and ensure that there is transparency in execution of any internationally funded projects. We could also act as chaperone for such international organizations willing to visit the Niger Delta. The diaspora unions may also have easier access to the head offices of the multinational oil companies to deliberate issues relating to the Niger Delta.
It is also vitally important that our unions act as an additional watchdog, constantly having their finger on the pulse of activities of government, making itself available, emphasizing the importance transparency in all tiers of governance, and criticizing when necessary. Exemplary leadership is key in governance. The unions must thus persevere in all efforts to constantly get the leadership of the various Ijaw states to be exemplary, transparent and people-oriented. And because of the importance of returning electoral power to the people, the unions must encourage international bodies to join them in monitoring general elections in the various states.
Occasionally a diaspora Ijaw may be asked to partake in government. Such persons should be encouraged and nurtured to have outstanding performances by the unions; they must be seen to be exemplary to others and nothing else should be acceptable.
In summary we all need to wake up and smell the coffee. The Ijaw race needs to stand up for itself and be counted. Nobody else is going to do this for us. Every Ijaw, from the civil servant, trader, and businessman, to the politician must do his/her bit if we are going to improve our lot. A good starting point is each one of us simply do our jobs to the best of our ability, and caring more for others. In addition those of us in diaspora must contribute in various ways, individually and collectively, to the ultimate goal of a better life for the Ijaws in general. To do this however we need to have a strong commitment and organize ourselves into diaspora unions with clear objectives and strong, honest leadership. I don’t, not even for a moment, think this is beyond our capability. From this moment on I have vowed to personally do my bit. What about you?
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