AMASEIKUMOR—- A CLARION CALL FOR THE REPAIRS OF OUR BROKEN POLITICAL WALLS IN DELTA STATE. (THE PATIENT OR THE FOOLISH GIANT) (OPINION)

By Mackson Utieyin Ode

The biggest question in the minds of many people particularly politicians is, “what is in it for us?” This raises deeper and more specific questions like, “what has or will my community benefit from the government?”, “what have or will I benefit from the government?” The pro-Urhobo or Ijaw Governor in Delta state come 2023 are faced with this question going forward with sensitisations and appeal to the conscience of the good people of the state and especially the people of the Delta North Senatorial district who may be jostling to get either the slot of the deputy or any other vantage position.

The questions of whether successive governments and administrations have favoured the Ijaws in terms of landmark capital infrastructure and human capital development will determine the zeal that responsible and time tested people’s advocates will be bringing on board. This is the real crux of the matter.

Considering the painstaking contributions and sacrifices of the Ijaws of Delta State from Burutu to Bomadi, to Patani, to Warri South/West and the others, there’s no infrastructural presence of either the state or Federal Government commensurate with the ” blood sacrifice” made by the people.

Politics is a game of community and self-interest. Political support is considered along the lines of; What has our communities benefited in terms of projects and reforms? What have we benefited as a group of unrepentant political promoters? Are we getting the necessary recognition and consideration in shared opportunities? What is our faith in any other led government tomorrow?

Loyalty is the key, but there are two perspectives to political loyalty; patience and foolishness. The first is healthy when there is faith in the track records of leadership, but the second is unhealthy when there is limited trust. It is smart to choose and follow the former.

The greatest puzzle for us, the Ijaw Governor, 2023 promoters today is, *amidst numerous contracts and appointments that do not have our youths considered, which category do we fall? The patient or the foolish giant?