Rivers State, a state that prides herself as "The
Treasure Base of the Nation" is now a poisoned chalice and needs urgent
review.
The plight of those in that state fills my heart with pains.
I shed tears anytime I remember those killed in that state during the re-run
election.
I look at the killings in Rivers State and I say that when a
volcano wants to erupt, it does not do so suddenly, it whispers its intentions
to those who live around and it is usually for a long time. Discontentment and
apathy are the key words. Hopes have turned to despairs and aspirations to
sorrows. Patriotism has been replaced by defiance. Is Rivers grinding to a
halt?
If no,now is the time for all these killings to stop. The
killings are too much. I am not a soothsayer, but I must here that if things
are not corrected, more blood will flow and rivers will swell with it. It would
be nothing but rivers of blood. It is hard to understand the complexities of
politics in Nigeria.
Lawlessness is still a common denominator in politics and
several other areas of the Nigerian society. Killings and political
assassinations are rampant in Nigeria. The killings in Rivers State point to a
micro-representation of Nigeria or just a case study on its own. The killings
talks about an escalation of the stupid political processes that occur across
the country.
The sad aspect is that,the killings are the mind-set of
those who see politics as a do or die game. They see politics as a deep-rooted
hatred. The killings won't help matters. Politics is something else in Rivers
State.
A friend of mine, Akintunde Olagbaiye told me two days ago, that
the killings in Rivers State have a national dimension with varying
consequences and implications. There is tension in Rivers State. The soldiers
are everywhere but there are no safety coils. I ask the people of Rivers State,
will you continue to kill your brothers, sisters, fathers and mothers in the
name of politics? Will the killings continue until the rivers runs dry?
What do you say of the NYSC member, Mr. Samuel Dumebi
Okonta, a graduate of Political Science from Ambrose Ali University,Ekpoma, Edo
State. Okonta served as the Assistant
Presiding Officer (APO 11) during the re-run election, he was shot by unknown
gunmen at Ahoada West LGA. Okonta was an orphan and he hailed from Illah
Community in Idemili North LGA, Anambra State.
In ONELGA,Asari-Toru,Ahoada East and Ogoniland areas of the
state,a whole family consisting of father,mother and children were all
killed by unknown gunmen.
When will the power tussle between Nyesom Wike and Rotimi
Amaechi come to an end?
Lastly, I say to the two of them that Rivers State is indeed
bigger than them.
* Chris Uruakpa, is a commentator on national issues and
writes from Lagos.
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