Edwin Clark, chairman of Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF),
says the Niger Delta people are not appreciated for their contribution towards
improving the country’s economy.
Clark spoke at his residence in Abuja on Tuesday night when
he received Seriake Dickson, senator representing Bayelsa west.
According to Clark, a situation where the region, despite
its critical role in sustaining the nation, has to take permission before
benefiting from the resources it produces is an indication that they are
oppressed.
He said the resources of the region are controlled by others
while their citizens are treated as second-class, adding that there cannot be
unity in the country where some people see themselves as superior to others.
The elder statesman, however, expressed delight that the
former Bayelsa governor was elected as a senator and expressed optimism that he
would be an authentic voice of the Ijaws in the senate.
“We are an oppressed people, I have always said that we will
soon take our destiny in our own hands,” Clark said.
“People do not appreciate what we are doing for Nigeria,
what we are providing for Nigeria. They control our resources in our backyard,
they manage it and at the end of it, they benefit from it and now make us
second-class citizens in our country. They use our very money to control us.
“What type of country to do we belong to? We produce all the
resources in this country and for me to benefit from it, I have to travel to
Daura in Katsina state to ask for approval for me to benefit from what is being
produced in my backyard. And if I am lucky they will give it to me with some
conditions.
“So, I am happy that you have been elected. As I said when
you were coming, I said I’m still mourning, I don’t want to talk about politics
yet. But politics is in my vein. I cannot see my senator being inaugurated and
for him to come and see me without saying that this is what you are going to do
in that place.
“This country we are is a country for all Nigerians. No one
owns it more than the other. We are equal citizens in Nigeria. Unity does not
mean you must be superior to the other. Then you won’t have a country. So, you
have a duty to perform. I know the duties of a senator if you really want to
work for your people.
“It is not enough to be a senator; you must distinguish
yourself at all times. That’s why you are called a distinguished senator. I
know you will be the voice of an Ijaw man in the senate.”
Earlier, Dickson said he was on a thank-you visit to the
Ijaw leader for his support.
He said he would constantly call on the elder statesman for
advice and guidance on how to continue pursuing the interest of the Ijaw
people.
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