Written By  Yushau A. Shuaib

A LETTER TO GOVERNOR FELIX IBRU

The Triumph December 1992

Sir. Frustration and disappointment coupled with other unmanageable psychological conditions stared us on the face as we kept trooping to NYSC Secretariat to lodge complaints of rejection or no-accommodation from the organisation we were posted to serve. Most of us particularly those with nobody to squat with, in the state capital, slept at motor parks, police stations, on the bare floor of St. Patrick’s College Assembly Hall and the lucky ones amongst us used their first monthly allowance to lodge in shabby hotel rooms?

The unwholesome situation was not only agonizing for the corpers who have nobody in the state to accommodate them, it was most unfortunate way to be welcome into the community after departing our camp.

Sir, to be more precise, the major problems of the youth corpers particularly those deployed to places like Asaba, Warri, Sapele etc. have been lack of adequate accommodations. Let’s not forget the issue of high cost of living since our monthly allowance cannot even meet the high cost of transportation. Many of us come from distant states and have nobody in Delta State to turn to for assistance. Though we come from far away and met this bitter experience, we are even ready to serve in humility, endure the hardship and sacrifice to the development of our fatherland. We are equally ready to utilise our youthfulness, vigour and vitality in the improvement of this new state. We cannot shy away from what is enjoined upon us after swearing the call to serve our nation. But our desired dream to serve towards the betterment of our present society won’t materialise without being provided with modest accommodation where we can crack our brain on what to do.

This letter could not have been channeled to His Excellency, Governor Felix Ibru but for the fact that he has demonstrated a leadership quality during our period in the camp by increasing our feeding allowance and solving most of our problems. Indeed the Governor has doggedly championed the improvement of corpers’ welfare.

Without mincing words, I am aware of how well you perform your duties but still, sir, you’ve the responsibility to take care of us. Sir, kindly make it your resolve to put your best, bearing in mind that you need to leave a good precedent for any incoming executive to emulate. A scenario where girls unwillingly open up for every Tom, Dick and Harry, where poor corpers have to sleep in hotels, and other disgusting places just to serve their fatherland are sad notes in the present democratic dispensation.

For the above, Sir, I implore you to use your good office to provide accommodations for all the corpers in the state through acquisition, erection and renovation of houses. We can’t deny the fact that the state is one of the newly created states and indeed it is a beautiful place to serve but circumstance should not be allowed to dampen the corpers’ enthusiasm.

LIKELY WINNERS

Point April 19, 1993

In his article, “Who will it be?” (POINT MARCH 29, 1993) Kudo Eresia-Eke appeared to be a soothsayer as he rightly predicted the outcome of the national conventions of the two political parties. He predicated inter-alia that “Tofa may just be it for NRC” and “Abiola, Kingibe and Atiku in that order for SDP.”

Indeed, his analyses and the comprehensive cover story by Etim Anim and Fred Gusha made an interesting reading and clearly pointed to the readers who would make it among the numerous aspirants.

As you successful pointed to the readers who the flag bearers would be, kindly point to the attention of the party stalwarts to what is expected of them in their campaign tours. Point out to them why they should not do anything capable of returning us to the dark days of Election 83.

OPEN LETTER TO DELTANS

Sunray, August 5, 1993

As a corps member serving in Delta State, I feel compelled to comment on the state of the young state. It’s been long I have been planning to communicate you personally but unfortunately, I didn’t have the means of reaching each and every one of you. I then resolved to use this widely read medium.

Recently, the Special Adviser on Information, Chief Paulinus Akpeki, in a documentary programme titled ‘Delta Today’ on NTA Benin, said the state is very peaceful and its people are accommodating and hospitable. Nobody would dispute this assertion, even if the person is a visitor to the state.

One is impressed by the cosmopolitan nature of the state, with abundant mineral resources. Delta is known as a strategic state in the country in terms of its industrial base, population and land areas. Farming is a profitable business in the state and efforts are being intensified in the area of livestock products for the purpose of beefing up the nutritional needs of the state and the country.

Be that as it may, the spate of open letters, litigations, petitions, and communal confrontations emanating from sections of the state is anti-productive and is likely to discourage the spirit of those who want to contribute immensely to the betterment of the state.

The recent sporadic clashes between the Urhobo and Itsekiri in Warri during a traditional festival is quite unfortunate. As one journalist puts it, whether it is the Urhobos who are deliberately attempting to marginalise the Itsekiris, their neighbour in Warri, or vice-versa, remain a moot point.

The most serious political problem confronting the state is that of deliberately sponsored antagonisms between the two ethic groups. Right from the creation of Delta State, the crises between Urhobo and Itsekiri have kept on dominating news headlines. This problem has eaten so deep that both the government and the people seem to have forgotten about other important and serious issues in the state.

It is quite worrisome that the crisis is not a border issue, not even over farmlands or on other resources but on the title of the paramount traditional ruler of Warri. This is a matter that could be sorted out through a day’s dialogue.

As a true lover of Delta State, I appeal to those involved in these crises to cultivate the spirit of tolerance and accommodation, which is essential for peace and development. It is necessary to call on the state council of traditional rulers to provide a forum to discuss the differences, for a lasting solution.

Deltans, your state has come of age. And it is your responsibility to work for its development and to improve on the poor state of communications in the state. I call on the state government to establish a newspaper and install more booster stations for the Delta Broadcasting service so that it can reach out to every section of the state and preach the message of peace, love and harmony.

WORDS OF PASSAGES

Nigerian Tribune July 5, 2002

Reading your (Mr. Lasisi Olagunju, News Editor) poetic dirge “Words of Passages” I really feel very sympathetic with you and the entire family over the great loss of your father. Like an orphan, the tremor of losing one’s parents could be very painful especially when the bereaved person recalls the inspirational guidance and parental love received during their life time. From all indications - the words in the piece that flutter subconsciously depict the close attachment between the writer and the late father.

It is easy to discern the attributes of parents from the comportment and accomplishments of their offsprings. The way and manner Mr. Olagunju Jnr. handles his schedule as News Editor of the widely read Tribune titles and with his regular Friday column “My View,” testify to the fact that he has a good upbringing founded on humility, amiability, godliness, uprightness and sound journalistic judgement. These qualities no doubt can be credited to late Pa Olagunju Snr.

While I join other numerous admirers of Mr. Olagunju to wish our Papa eternal rest in Aljanat Firdausi, I also pray that those of us whose parents are just nearing sixty would see them live beyond octogenarian ages, which Papa had successfully exceeded. Congratulations for being a worthy son and long life to all of you left behind. Please accept our sympathy.