By Dr. U. T. Hart
Egbema, a region comprising 16 main urban communities with 32 sub-communities, with 3 main urban communities situated in Rivers State and 13 main urban communities in Imo State, stands as a pivotal contributor to Nigeria's economic framework. As the nation's oil hub, Egbema is endowed with vast oil and gas deposits and uniquely hosts the country's sole mercury findings. Despite these significant contributions to the national economy, the people of Egbema face systemic neglect, brutal oppression, and economic exploitation.
_The Plight of Egbema: A Story of Neglect and Oppression_
The challenges confronting the Egbema people are multifaceted and deeply entrenched:
- _Extrajudicial Killings and Intimidation_: The proliferation of security agencies, including the Air Force, Navy, Mobile Police, and regular Police, has fostered an environment of fear and terror. This has led to the tragic loss of innocent lives and rampant intimidation of the populace, creating a climate of dread and uncertainty.
- _Lack of Recognition and Compensation_: Despite being the backbone of Nigeria's oil production, Egbema receives minimal benefits from its rich natural resources. The region's contributions to the national economy are grossly underappreciated, and its people are left to grapple with poverty and underdevelopment.
- _Disregard for Economic Contributions_: The federal and state governments appear to acknowledge Egbema's existence only when extracting its resources. The region's people are consistently overlooked for key appointments, infrastructure development, and other benefits that could enhance their quality of life.
_Egbema's Demands: A Plea for Justice and Equity_
In light of these challenges, the Egbema people are united in their demands for:
1. _Immediate End to Extrajudicial Killings and Intimidation_: The government must take immediate action to halt the unwarranted violence and intimidation perpetrated by security agencies. This requires a fundamental shift in how security operations are conducted in the region, prioritizing the safety and dignity of Egbema's residents.
2. _Unification Under One State_: Egbema seeks unification under a single state, with a preference for either the proposed Urashi State or Rivers State. This demand stems from the desire for administrative coherence and more effective governance, which can only be achieved by uniting the region's main urban communities and sub-communities under one administrative umbrella.
3. _Creation of Three New Local Governments_: The establishment of new local governments would facilitate more targeted development initiatives and ensure that the people of Egbema have a stronger voice in local communities. This move would also help in addressing the unique needs of different areas within the region.
4. _Direct Allocation of 13% Derivation Funds_: Given its status as the oil hub of Nigeria, Egbema demands a direct and visible allocation of 13% derivation funds. This would enable the region to benefit more directly from its resources, fostering development and improving the living standards of its people.
5. _Representation in Federal and State Appointments_: Egbema seeks meaningful representation in federal and state appointments, reflecting its significant contributions to the nation's economy. This would ensure that the region's interests are adequately represented in policy-making processes.
6. _Compensation for Years of Neglect_: The people of Egbema demand a compensation of $50 billion for the decades of neglect and underdevelopment that have plagued their region since Nigeria's independence. This compensation would acknowledge the historical injustices faced by Egbema and serve as a step towards rectifying these wrongs.
_A Call to Action: Towards a More Equitable Future_
The demands put forth by the Egbema people are not merely requests; they are a call for justice, equity, and recognition. It's an appeal to the government to acknowledge the region's invaluable contributions to Nigeria's economic prosperity and to take concrete steps towards addressing the systemic injustices faced by its people. The unification of Egbema under one state, coupled with the other demands, is a crucial step towards ensuring that the region receives the recognition and support it deserves. By addressing these demands, the government can take a significant stride towards fostering a more equitable and just society for all Nigerians.
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