The very word "society" itself means more than one. As a social being, man is expected to relate with his fellow beings, in order to achieve those things he wouldn't have been able to achieve were he to be alone.
This is the very essence of the state going by the postulations of Plato, Aristotle and other Socratic philosophers.
ETHNIC GROUPS IN NIGERIA:
No doubt Nigeria is a multi cultural and heterogeneous society. Based no available sources, there are about 360 ethnic groups in Nigeria, and all are seen as equal partners in the Nigerian project.
Though these groups owe their allegiance to the Nigerian state, they still pursue their individual interests and aspirations. These goals are outside that of Nigeria.
In order to achieve those set goals, these ethnic groups have arranged themselves into various groups. A particular characteristic of these groups is that they are local,parochial, atomistic and clanish in nature.
Their primary aim is to further the interests of their various ethnic groups, by influencing the contents and policies of the Nigerian State.
SOME ETHNIC BASED GROUPS AND INFLUENCE THEY WEILD IN NIGERIA:
Groups like the Ohaneze Ndi Igbo, Afrnifere, Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), Movement Of the Survival of the Ogoni People, (MOSOP), Ijaw National Congress (I.N.C), Ogbako Ikwerri, Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio (MMI) Atti Annang, Oro Union (O.U) and many more are some of the ethnic based groups in existence in Nigeria.
As well known, the first 3 groups mentioned are the most viable and powerful groups in Nigeria. Once a group like the ACF opposes any governmental conceived policy, that policy is as good as being dead.
One of the reasons why the Petroleum Industrial Bill that can transform the fortunes of the Niger Deltans, hasn't seen the light of the day is because this group is strongly opposed to it. When ever this group sneezes, the very foundations upon which this country rests, catch cold.
These aforementioned groups equally have youth wings that complement the efforts of their parent bodies. It is a taboo if not sacrilegious, for them to openly ridicule their parent bodies.
This write up will focus on the activities of Esu Nlap Oro as a body as it relates to the intentions of Oro to become a voice to reckon with in the Nigerian political space in general and that of Akwa Ibom state in particular.
ESU NLAP ORO (E.NO.O) IN FOCUS
Before its formation, there were pockets of youth bodies advocating for the rights and interests and aspirations of the Oro race. Prominent among these groups was the Oro Youths Movement (OYOM).
The group was that powerful because of the calibre of Oro youths that found expressions in it. For a long time, it enjoyed the respect of the Oro youths.
In order to make the voice of the Oro youths become clearer, deeper, louder, aggressive and more vociferous, the pocket of youth bodies existing independently of one another were amalgamated into one body, and a royal proclamation made by the Ahta Oro in conjunction with the COTR and the Central Executive Council of Oro Union.
This birthed the group known and addressed as the Esu Nlap Oro. The activities preceding its formation made it to become the apex youth body in Oro.
Its pioneer President was Apostle Atte (Nsoh) as he then was. He became the President because of the clause in the constitution that allowed the presidency to rotate among the five (5) LGAs of Oro in alphabetical order.
Not much was achieved by his presidency. I doubt if he influenced the employment of any Oro son into the state civil service etc.
After Nsoh's tenure came that of Asukwo Enwieme. It was a thug of war before he mounted the seat giving the fact that his predecessor was interested in a second term.
Just like that of Nsoh, nothing can be pinpointed as the legacy of Levile in office , apart from the Sports Utility Vehicles he intimidates the people with.
I bet, he would go down as the worst president to have led the body. He started his presidency on a good note, but later derailed, because of his insatiable love for materialism. His presidency witnessed the Primitive Accumulation of Wealth in its raw form.
Instantly, someone that was relatively comfortable was seen living an ostentatious life style. He cannot deny the fact that about 75% of his wealth was made while serving as the president of the body.
An office whose original intention was for the uplift of Oro, became one for aggrandizement of wealth by the leadership. Comparatively, if the government of Nsoh was bad, that of Asukwo Enwieme was worse.
HOW ESU NLAP ORO (E.N.O) BETRAYAL AND ITS CONSEQUENCES.
During the 2015 general elections,having evaluated the different political parties that were combing for the people's vote, and having put the position of Oro as it concerned the elections, the leadership of Oro in all strata decided to pitch its tent with the All Progressive Party.
This was because of the position the party offered to Oro, which in all estimation, it was a better offer compare to the PDP that offered Oro nothing.
Instead of toeing the line of its parent bodies, the Asukwo Enwieme led E.N.O erroneously believed that it's an independent body, and decided to go against the collective interests of the Oro people. Nothing made him do this apart from his insatiable love for materialism.
This action of his cost the group of its pride of place in Oro. The action saw to the birth of a new group called NLAP ISONG ORO. The group is now the apex youth body in Oro and its led by Hon. Victor Anwanakak.
The group is now seen as his ATM, Shell, NNPC etc. In order to control the happenings in the body, he selfishly created the board of Trustees Chairmanship position. This is a position that was hitherto unknown to the group.
HOW THE GROUP UNDERMINES ORO'S INTERESTS:
As a dissident group, the purpose of the group is to frustrate Oro in all ways possible. Those that know they can't possible penetrate into Oro now pas through the group.
The question begging for answer is, would the governor being an Ibibio man deal with an impostor group that claims to represent the Ibibio people even when the leaders of Ibibio have rejected the group? Nobody says he shouldn't associate with Esu Nlap Oro, but the fact is when it has with Oro, the Oro recognised body should be met.
What the governor or any other person cannot do in his place shouldn't be done to the Oron people. Enough of this impersonation and let the right thing be done.
ATAI JOHN JOHN
MEMBER
ORO NATION LEADERSHIP AND BUSINESS ROUND TABLE AND ALSO THE CONVENER
NEW OKOBO MOVEMENT (N.O.M)
WRITES FROM UDUNG AFFIANG
ATAK-ORO, OKOBO LGA
08102433538
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