Why Is Ijaw Nation Still Struggling Despite Oil Wealth? Wisdom Ikuli Points To Two Painful Truths
By Passman Akpos
YENAGOA — Prominent Ijaw activist and public commentator, Most Senior Comrade Wisdom Oniekpar Ikuli, has identified what he described as two major obstacles preventing the Ijaw Nation from fully realizing its vast potential and attaining effective leadership.
In a strongly worded statement released on Wednesday, Ikuli argued that despite being one of Nigeria’s most richly endowed ethnic nationalities in terms of both human and natural resources, the Ijaw Nation continues to struggle with leadership challenges due to what he termed a “faulty leadership recruitment process” and a “faulty reward system.”
According to him, the Ijaw people possess extraordinary talents and abilities that have enabled them to excel in various fields across Nigeria and beyond. However, he lamented that many Ijaws suffer from low self-esteem, internal rivalry, and a tendency to view one another as competitors rather than partners in progress.
“Ijaw Nation is blessed beyond human comprehension, but unfortunately many of our people do not recognize the wealth and opportunities God has placed in their hands,” he stated.
Ikuli argued that while other major ethnic groups deliberately identify and elevate competent, educated, and visionary individuals into strategic leadership positions, the Ijaw Nation often allows sentiments, favoritism, and personal interests to determine who occupies key offices.
He warned that the continuous imposition of what he described as “incompetent puppets, stooges, and cronies” into sensitive positions has contributed significantly to underdevelopment and poor governance in some areas of the region.
As an example of what competent leadership can achieve, Ikuli praised Bayelsa State Governor, , citing various infrastructure and development projects undertaken during the governor’s six years in office.
He highlighted ongoing road construction projects, the development of a 60-megawatt gas turbine, expansion of educational facilities, the establishment of technical colleges, healthcare investments, and other infrastructure initiatives as evidence of the impact of effective leadership.
The activist further described Bayelsa as one of the safest states in Nigeria, attributing improvements in security, economic activity, and social life to deliberate governance policies.
Beyond leadership recruitment, Ikuli expressed concern over what he called the Ijaw Nation’s poor reward system, arguing that individuals who make sacrifices for the collective interest of the people are often neglected after rendering service.
He particularly lamented the treatment of families of deceased Ijaw heroes, saying many have been forgotten despite their contributions to the struggle and advancement of the Ijaw people.
According to him, ethnic groups that achieve lasting progress are those that deliberately honor, reward, and support individuals who contribute to the development of their communities.
“Ijaw Nation must take deliberate steps to address these challenges if it hopes to unlock its full potential and secure a more prosperous future for coming generations,” he said.
Ikuli concluded by urging stakeholders across the Ijaw Nation to focus on merit, competence, accountability, and recognition of service as critical ingredients for sustainable development and political advancement.
