By Charles Nwabardi
The news making the round is that the Fulani Jihadists had written an unsigned letter of threat to the governor of Delta State ( of the Niger Delta Region) coaxing him to renounce his strong stand on the ban to open grazing, one of the resolutions taken by the Seventeen Southern Governors in May in Asaba.
Sure! Governor Okowa is the Centre-Point of the hailed resolution by all Deltans, South-South Geo-political Zone, all Southerners and very reasonable personalities in the North except those in the presidency. It is glaring and of a truth that Okowa as the host may also be preceived as the initiator and convener.
Suffice it to say that whatever part Governor Okowa had played in making that governors meeting in Asaba successful is highly commendable and applauded because it is entirely for the good of his people who live by agriculture. It must be worthy of note to state that Okowa acted lately because the people of Delta State were already running out of patience concerning the destruction of crops in their farms; rapes, kidnapping , banditry, killings and armed robbery being perpetrated in Delta State by the Fulani killer herdsmen.
Nevertheless, the nitty-gritty of this write-up is the good posture of Okowa in saving his people and the purported threat letter written by the Fulani Jihadists to Governor Okowa. I want to state that the letter is neither a dummy nor a caricature. It is real. The governor should make that letter a platform where Deltans can view the Jihadists from as long as life exists and not just for 72hours deadline. The letter must be taken seriously. Let Deltans be mindful of the references of the States in Nigeria where they have given no rest in recent times. Are those troubled states not for real?
Let us take a flash-back to history. The seven Fulani original states were: Biram, Daura, Gobir, Kano, Katsina, Rano and Zaria (Zazzau). Today, who ruled them? It is the Fulanis (foreigners) came into their lands, subdued them and began to rule them till this day.
The Fulanis have consistently say that Nigeria is theirs and the South is their target. I wonder how feasible this their task should be achieved in the Southern lands that are more endowed in all facets of life than them.
Deltans should rally round Okowa with all support to make sure any day any time that invaders are dealt with any time they rear their ugly heads.
First cut is the deepest. I commend the Movement for The Emancipation of Niger Delta (MEND) on its prompt reaction to the Jihadists threat. I call on the various groups that cherish Delta State to speak against internal colonialism.
Delta is for Deltans and other peace loving people who may wish to live in Delta. I wish to state that Delta State should not give in to intimidation from any clan or tribe.
The police have given Deltans assurance of protection in order to douse the tension caused by the threat. This is also in the right direction. However, Deltans should also be ready according to MEND’s Statement to defend their lands.