While many may not agree with the tactics of the current struggle in the Niger Delta, it is no gainsaying that many Nigerians see the struggle as a worthwhile cause. If for nothing else, it is immensely soul uplifting to see a group of people actively determined to confront oppression and marginalisation. However, the recent attack on the Atlas Cove Jetty in Lagos raises more serious questions about the shape of the struggle and its inherent objectives.

No doubt, the spirit of Isaac Adaka Boro would be immensely proud that the struggle to economically empower his people had not been abandoned. Ken Saro-Wiwa would probably be dancing in his grave. The inherent injustice in the contraption called Nigeria cannot be denied or merely wished away. The repeated failure of those who control the instrument of power leaves no option other than the resort to war. It was the same failure that fed and bred the catastrophic civil war, embers of which are still being fanned in Eastern Nigeria. The deafness of the Hausa-Fulani hegemony (and their cohorts across all ethnic divides in Nigeria) with their recalcitrant behaviour in sincerely addressing issues that affect the polity would only continue to breed wars and rumours of wars. The survival of the Nigerian nation as presently constituted is circumspect. No nation thrives forever on falsehood, deceit, political corruption and visionless leadership.

The Biafran war was initially a war meant to liberate Nigerians of the Igbo stock from the oppressive and murderous clutches of the political power holders of Northern Nigeria. The loss of lives that characterised the failed Nzeogwu-led coup was not a sufficient justification for the mass killings of other Nigerians, especially Ibos in Northern Nigeria and in military barracks in Lagos. The war started basically as one of liberation until the incursion into Mid-Western Nigeria and the bombing of parts of Lagos. It is still being argued today that this represented an expansion policy on the part of Biafra. Another view holds that it was simply a ploy of war to weaken and frighten the opponent. In the light of this, the bombing of the Atlas Cove Jetty calls for analysis.

Lagos is a Yoruba territory no matter the insipid claims of some to the contrary. Lagos is not part of Northern Nigeria, being comfortably situated in the southwest. Being a Yoruba territory, bombing any part therefore amounts to infringement on the rights and existence of the Yoruba people, the fact that the infrastructure bombed belonged to the Federal Government which has been mostly controlled by Northern Nigeria notwithstanding. It is no surprise that prominent Yoruba leaders have voiced their opinion on this development, including the governor of the state.

MEND insisted that any facility built with or developed by oil money is open to attack. In this, MEND has no apology to offer for its attack. It is sad that in prosecuting its war MEND no longer cares about the goodwill of its neighbours, people whom the Niger Deltans have shared immeasurable history with. While the prosecution of war entails sometimes ruthless decisions, the sustenance of sympathy and goodwill should never be compromised. On the other hand, it would be too simplistic to assume that MEND is naïve of the tactics of modern guerrilla warfare. In maintaining that the attack on Lagos was well planned and very deliberate, the connotation is obvious. The war for the economic emancipation and freedom of the Niger Deltans has now entered the second phase, irrespective of the magnanimity of the fumbling government of Yar’adua in offering amnesty to the militants. The glimpse of this second phase is that of a war aimed at the total destabilisation of the polity. If the pursuit of this second phase is left unchecked, Nigeria may cease to be at the tail end.

Why is Lagos or Western Nigeria crucial in the escalation of any insurgency in Nigeria? One possible answer may be the importance of Lagos as the economic heartbeat of Nigeria. The other may simply be a way of exposing the well known military incompetence of the Hausa-Fulani hegemony. Another postulate, one which carries far reaching political significance, is that involving the Yorubas in the struggle would expedite the inevitable demise of Nigeria. This postulate merits careful consideration and may possibly explain why MEND had no apologies for the attack.

If the focus of the MEND struggle is an orchestrated uprising against Hausa – Fulani domination and their cohorts, then bombing the commonly available oil-money projects in Northern Nigeria makes sense. MEND can never be short of “bomb-able” projects in Northern Nigeria, if this were to be the aim. The suspicion is that of a deliberate attempt to drag the often recalcitrant but nevertheless important arm of the federation into the struggle. It seems to be an attempt to obtain a political commitment from the Yorubas. It seems to be a demonstration of exasperation with the middle-way approach of the Yorubas. The Ibos had this misgiving about the Yorubas and it was not helped by the failure of the Yorubas to declare a full blown war in the aftermath of the June 12 election debacle. The tacit endorsement of the Yorubas of the prosecution of the civil war still evokes the wrath of some Ibos till present time. By dragging the Yorubas into the controversy, the fate of Nigeria would be quickly sealed.

A very possible aftermath of the attack on the Atlas Cove Jetty is a backlash on Niger Deltans living in Yoruba land. This would in the long run translate to a free-for-all between the OPC and the Egbesu boys/MEND. Unchecked, a more militant Yoruba set-up would surface and an ethnically fratricidal war ensued. The intense confusion so created would escalate beyond proportions. Do not forget that MASSOB is just hanging around the corner. It is inevitable that the latter would fully utilise the opportunity. I doubt if our Hausa-Fulani rulers would be capable of restoring order in this scenario. The end result is that Nigeria may cease to be.

Is there anything to be gained in turning brothers against brothers in fighting an entrenched oligarchy? The only gainer in the whole debacle is the one that should be actively confronted. This is Northern Nigeria. The North may lose revenue accruing from oil in the event of Nigeria disintegrating, but the human and material losses would be mostly confined to the South if care and circumspection is not exerted by MEND and all those who have one score or another to settle with Nigeria. Though the tactics of divide and rule as an implement of war may achieve its objective, this may be at a bloody and unnecessary cost. Provoking the Yoruba ethnic group to arm may not be a wise choice in pursuing a legitimate cause. Yorubas versus the Ijaws and other Niger Deltans does not seem to be a policy that should be pursued by MEND.

MEND has made tremendous progress in asserting its objective. There is no doubt that the Nigerian government is frightened. The lies with which we have been ruled for so long are being exposed daily. It is beyond belief that Yar’adua would comfortably plan to open a University of Petroleum in Kaduna while refusing to upgrade the Petroleum Training Institute at Effurun, Warri. The criminal neglect of the Niger Delta region pricks at the conscience of well meaning Nigerians. It is sad to accept that Nigeria would not be transformed without bloodshed. Those who have the means to effect changes have made this the only effective option. While the concept of bombing facilities built from oil money is attractive, this should be strictly confined to the den of the identified enemy – Northern Nigeria. Again, talking of Northern Nigeria is too generic, it is quite possible to identify elements within this region that have steadfastly held on to power and refused to give peace a chance.

Events in Iraq, Somalia and Afghanistan have provided an expanded manual of guerrilla tactics in modern warfare. MEND has beautifully borrowed and mastered the use of kidnapping as a tactic of war; in frightening the enemy and in raising revenue for the prosecution of war. However, to strike terror into the heart of the enemy, Iraq and Afghanistan have demonstrated that suicide bombing is the most effective. Instead of engaging in killing poorly armed soldiers and naval ratings who are probably in these forces for their livelihood, MEND can carry the battle more efficiently to the oppressors by utilising the last suggested option. Unlike in the two countries mentioned, the option under consideration should be specifically targeted at those who have made life unbearable for millions of Nigerians. Those who have equated our dear country with hell.

I still believe firmly in the concept of one Nigeria. I believe that with truth and fairness, our country could serve and will serve the best interest of its masses. I believe that as a people, our joint destiny is best served together as one nation. The problem is and has always been how to break the shackle of a gang-like political domination that serves the country no good.

The aim of this piece is not to alarm well meaning Nigerians or to advocate for a state of confusion and anarchy in my fatherland. However, to any observer, the situation in Nigeria has gone beyond what peaceful approach can solve. And we just cannot carry on this way. If the elimination of some undesired elements in the nation would ensure peace, progress, equality and fair play, so be it. History has shown repeatedly that bloodshed is sometimes necessary in cleansing a nation and moving it towards its destiny. This may be the phase now needed in Nigerian history. And in my humble opinion, MEND should apologise to the Yorubas (not the Nigerian government) for its unfortunate decision to bomb Lagos.

This paper has attempted to analyse the reasons for the bombing of the Atlas Cove Jetty in Lagos. The paper acknowledged the inevitability of insurgency in achieving equity and good governance in Nigeria, devoid of any ethnic domination. It assessed the tactics of guerrilla warfare in modern times and suggested a possible expansion of such tactics in the light of the situation in Iraq and Afghanistan. The paper suggested that such expansion should not involve unnecessary loss of innocent lives as obtained in such countries but aimed specifically at the identified obstacles to socio-political changes in Nigeria. The paper admits that this might be an alarming posture but one that could be effective if well planned and implemented.

Robot  # 1 | 28.07.2009 00:15

The repeated failure of those who control the instrument of power leaves no option other than the resort to war. It was the same failure that fed and bred the catastrophic civil war, embers of which are still being fanned in Eastern Nigeria. The deafness of the Hausa-Fulani hegemony (and their cohorts across all ethnic divides in Nigeria)with their recalcitrant behaviour in sincerely addressing issues that affect the polity would only continue to breed wars and rumours of wars. ...Read the full article.

Gladiator  # 2 | 28.07.2009 05:27

...Lagos is a Yoruba territory no matter the insipid claims of some... A very possible aftermath of the attack on the Atlas Cove Jetty is a backlash on Niger Deltans living in Yoruba land. ... And in my humble opinion, MEND should apologise to the Yorubas (not the Nigerian government) for its unfortunate decision to bomb Lagos. This whole piece is heavily laden with badly tainted selfish ethnic/tribal considerations. A poser; keeping within the logic of this writer, MEND really should also "apologise" to the Ijaws, Itsekiris, Ikweres, Ibos, Isokos, Urhobo's and even the Yorubas of Ekiti/Ondo for bombing oil facilities within their "territories". That the writer conspicuously fails to make this assertion tells you all you need to know. ...MEND insisted that any facility built with or developed by oil money is open to attack... For the purposes of pursuing the one-dimensional ethnic argument, the writer here guilefully misleads the reader on MEND's well publicised and stated campaign objectives. MEND's statements have consistently made clear that one of their main objectives in their campaign is to "disable and disrupt" oil facilities in Nigeria. But the writer deliberately and repeatedly replaces MEND's specific wording with his own wishy-washy "any facility built with or developed by oil money". Even the most conservative construction of the writer's guileful rendition of MEND's stated aim would lead to the ridiculous conclusion that virtually every major building project and installation the country over is susceptible to an attack from MEND as it is a well known fact that virtually all government-owned roads, schools, hospitals, buildings, and other public installations built since the mid-1960's have been built using proceeds of oil money. Without wishing to justify or explain MEND's decision to attack Atlas Cove as a major oil installation owned by the Federal Government of Nigeria, it is fair to say that it was a clearly "marked" target within the ambit of MEND's publicly stated objectives. Any decent security or intelligence outfit worth their salt in Nigeria would have long identified Atlas Cove as a possible target of MEND's campaign and the authorities would have taken appropriate counter-measures to protect the facility from any probable attack. But alas, we are talking about Nigeria. The twisted and confused logic does not stop there. The writer continues: Events in Iraq, Somalia and Afghanistan have provided an expanded manual of guerrilla tactics in modern warfare. MEND has beautifully borrowed and mastered the use of kidnapping as a tactic of war; in frightening the enemy and in raising revenue for the prosecution of war. However, to strike terror into the heart of the enemy, Iraq and Afghanistan have demonstrated that suicide bombing is the most effective. Instead of engaging in killing poorly armed soldiers and naval ratings who are probably in these forces for their livelihood, MEND can carry the battle more efficiently to the oppressors by utilising the last suggested option. ... The loss of any innocent life is one too many (including those innocent souls in Atlas Cove) and I cannot fathom this writer's open advocacy for MEND to adopt the sick tactic of suicide bombing as a means to achieve their objectives in Nigeria. Suicide bombing by definition and by function means that you don't care who is killed including yourself which runs counter to the supposed underlying argument of this confused writer that MEND should take care NOT to bomb the Yorubas. Astonishing hypocrisy! That this writer is openly glorifying kidnapping and pushing the case of adopting suicide bombing in Nigeria is reprehensible and one wonders what the true aim of publishing this piece is about.

KingFisher  # 3 | 28.07.2009 09:43

Gladiator, First, I do hope that you will welcome me to this forum. It is exciting being able to participate at last! May I express sympathy for your reactions on the article in question. While I would want to reserve my opinion on the apology to the Yorubas as demanded by the author, I want you to appreciate that this is a bit of senstive subject. There have been many reactions along the line postulated in this regard by the author. And, of course, there has been counter arguments. Something is however clear, the writer has a right to his opinion and this does not make him confused like you implied. I saw some sentences written at the bottom of the piece in italics. Going through these give a clear impression of the writer's intention. Clearly, he realises the volatility of his write-up. The question is whether his suggestion is acceptable in our situation in Nigeria. This is open to debate. Something I fully concur with in the write-up is the fact that our situation in Nigeria cannot be allowed to continue like this. Something drastic needs to happen for us to move ahead as a nation. We should not be afraid to suggest drastic solution to what has become a drastic problem. Again, I do not think MEND's aim is distorted in the write-up. I did read about a leader of MEND insisting that the organisation has the right to attack what was developed with oil money. This was said, sir. Basically, your reaction to this rather volatile article depends on which side of the fence you belong. Suicide bombing can be really catastrophic I agree. On the other hand, if you look at the situation in Nigeria, we fought a civil war without learning anything. Isaac Boro tried and failed. There have been countless coup d'etat. Protests and demonstrations. Kidnapping that became hijacked by hoodlums. Why not let us try suicide bombing aimed at our oppressors? Honestly, it might not be a bad idea (my opinion please!). Nigeria has failed to give us hope and future. It is a country that bounces all over like a tennis ball without direction. We do not need to fool ourselves, disintegration that most of us are advocating for would not come without bloodshed. If same bloodshed can keep us united and prosper, why not give it a chance? Honestly, you do not need to abuse the writer. rather let us look at the situation that brought such radical ideas out. It is a desperate situation calling for a desperate solution.

Gladiator  # 4 | 28.07.2009 11:38

Kingfisher, I welcome your contribution to this debate. =KingFisher;376251>Gladiator, .... Something is however clear, the writer has a right to his opinion and this does not make him confused like you implied. On the one hand the writer suggested that Yorubas must not be harmed and on the other hand he suggested that MEND should adopt suicide bombing. Firstly, these two positions are diametrically opposed as by definition suicide bombing is indiscriminate! Secondly, the writer insists on an apology for the Yorubas. Again, this is illogical as the Atlas Cove Jetty as a built installation belongs to the Federal Government of Nigeria and is NOT the property of the Yorubas either exclusively or collectively. These are inconsistencies that cannot be squared either by logic or reason and suggest a lack of clarity of thought that was perhaps occasioned by ethnic sentiments. =KingFisher;376251> I saw some sentences written at the bottom of the piece in italics. Going through these give a clear impression of the writer's intention. Clearly, he realises the volatility of his write-up. The question is whether his suggestion is acceptable in our situation in Nigeria. This is open to debate. Something I fully concur with in the write-up is the fact that our situation in Nigeria cannot be allowed to continue like this. Something drastic needs to happen for us to move ahead as a nation. We should not be afraid to suggest drastic solution to what has become a drastic problem. The writer's synopsis of the piece is reproduced: =Robot;376141>This paper has attempted to analyse the reasons for the bombing of the Atlas Cove Jetty in Lagos. The paper acknowledged the inevitability of insurgency in achieving equity and good governance in Nigeria, devoid of any ethnic domination. It assessed the tactics of guerrilla warfare in modern times and suggested a possible expansion of such tactics in the light of the situation in Iraq and Afghanistan. The paper suggested that such expansion should not involve unnecessary loss of innocent lives as obtained in such countries but aimed specifically at the identified obstacles to socio-political changes in Nigeria. The paper admits that this might be an alarming posture but one that could be effective if well planned and implemented. The fact that this synopsis (which of itself reiterates the inconsistency as stated above) was tagged on at the end suggests that the writer knew that the arguments put forward in the main body were not in harmony and were self-contradictory. =KingFisher;376251> Again, I do not think MEND's aim is distorted in the write-up. I did read about a leader of MEND insisting that the organisation has the right to attack what was developed with oil money. This was said, sir. I am yet to read or hear such. But more importantly and to the point at hand is the fact that MEND have been consistent in targeting oil installations and the multinationals that run the industry and have clearly stated so at every opportunity. Atlas Cove Jetty is an OIL INSTALLATION and to misrepresent it as simply an installation developed with oil money is wilful distortion of the facts. In any case and as aside, the ANC targeted public installations in South Africa in a bombing campaign against the Apartheid government of South Africa. The UK and the USA proceeded to list the ANC as a terrorist organisation. We all know what has happened since then. =KingFisher;376251> Basically, your reaction to this rather volatile article depends on which side of the fence you belong. The only "fence" as you put it seems to be the one that the writer erected when he singled out the Yorubas for an apology regarding an oil facility that belongs to the Federal Government of Nigeria and by extension ALL the people of Nigeria! =KingFisher;376251>...Suicide bombing can be really catastrophic I agree... Why not let us try suicide bombing aimed at our oppressors? Honestly, it might not be a bad idea (my opinion please!)... It is a desperate situation calling for a desperate solution. I could not disagree more, such a short-sighted move will open up a Pandora's Box that will take the next 100 years to close. Just look at countries like India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh who are living with the nightmare of suicide bombing. In Nigeria, the northern oligarchs and Mafia will rub their hands in glee if MEND were to attempt to pursue such a self-defeating strategy as they will readily manipulate the situation to encourage a Jihad type mindset amongst the largely uneducated and ignorant north against the south. The millions of Almajiri's and the likes of Boko Haram will provide a rich source of ready and willing candidates prepared to terrorise the "infidel" southern Nigeria ("non-believers") into accepting the will of the North. Therein is the fallacy of this writers repugnant suggestion that MEND adopt and introduce suicide bombing to attack Northern targets. Apart from losing goodwill and support for what many perceive as a just cause of equity and fairness as demanded by MEND, the West including UK and USA will have no choice but to list MEND as a terrorist organisation. Suicide bombing is a very bad idea, wrong move, self-defeating, and morally repugnant.

RAHIM  # 5 | 28.07.2009 18:10

=Robot;376141>While the concept of bombing facilities built from oil money is attractive, this should be strictly confined to the den of the identified enemy – Northern Nigeria. Again, talking of Northern Nigeria is too generic, it is quite possible to identify elements within this region that have steadfastly held on to power and refused to give peace a chance. While Obasanjo showered Odi with love and developed it into another Dubai, Yar'Adua decided to destroy and level Gbamarutu and slaughter its citizens. Easy does it...

iamgod  # 6 | 29.07.2009 03:47

=kingfisher;376251>why not let us try suicide bombing aimed at our oppressors? Honestly, it might not be a bad idea (my opinion please!). will all the proponents of suicide bombing please don the first belts!!!!!

Ibadan  # 7 | 29.07.2009 11:50

"The aim of this piece is not to alarm well meaning Nigerians or to advocate for a state of confusion and anarchy in my fatherland. However, to any observer, the situation in Nigeria has gone beyond what peaceful approach can solve. And we just cannot carry on this way. If the elimination of some undesired elements in the nation would ensure peace, progress, equality and fair play, so be it. History has shown repeatedly that bloodshed is sometimes necessary in cleansing a nation and moving it towards its destiny. This may be the phase now needed in Nigerian history" But dont you already know that nigeria is in a state of 'ANARCHY'. A country that meets all the criteria below is considered to be in a state of anarchy and nigeria fits into all these criteria. 1)a state of lawlessness and disorder (usually resulting from a failure of government) 2) Absence of any form of political authority. 3) Political disorder and confusion. 4) Absence of any cohesive principle, such as a common standard or purpose.

lateesha  # 8 | 29.07.2009 12:38

No doubt, the spirit of Isaac Adaka Boro would be immensely proud that the struggle to economically empower his people had not been abandoned. Ken Saro-Wiwa would probably be dancing in his grave. This one na lie! They are crying in their graves for not seeing beyond their noses and allowing themselves to be used by northern and Western Nigeria against their closest allies. The same people that sent them to their early graves. That's what longer throat for abandoned property can do. Asari Dokubo made a statement recently and blamed his mother and Ijaw mothers for teaching them to hate Igbos when the people they needed to direct their "hatred" towards lived far away from Igboland. Karma is a female German shephard.