By Nwafor Oji Awala
Indeed, electricity is not a luxury; it is a necessity for modern existence. But beyond the trending conversations on social media about power supply lies a deeper and more painful question: what truly has become of Eleme?
This message is directed to the Executive Chairman of Eleme Local Government Council, those representing Eleme in government, heads of institutions, traditional rulers, political leaders, youth bodies, and, most importantly, the people of our dear land, Eleme.
It is a shame that Eleme, a land hosting giant national and multinational companies, still struggles with the most basic social amenities. Electricity remains unstable or completely absent in many communities. Public water supply is nearly non-existent. Roads, healthcare, environmental safety, and other essential services continue to suffer neglect.
To be fair, the current council chairman deserves commendation for the visible improvements at the new council secretariat under construction and the improved level of waste management within the area. Yet, a man who washes only one hand cannot call himself completely clean.
Still, I am forced to ask: why do some people continue to say that Eleme must rely on companies operating in our land before our people can enjoy basic amenities?
Yes, corporate organizations have social responsibilities. Yes, they should contribute meaningfully to the development of their host communities. But Eleme must first know its place. Eleme must exist for itself. Eleme must redefine itself, just as it was in the days of our fathers, when the collective interest of the land stood taller than personal ambition and political loyalty.
A people who do not know where the rain began to beat them cannot know where they dried their body. The truth is that the evil fangs of politics have bitten deeply into the bones of Eleme’s social structure. Institutions that once protected the collective conscience of the land have gradually become weakened by unhealthy political alignments and personal interests.
The youth structures are divided. The voices of elders are no longer as firm as they used to be. Even some elite institutions that should stand above politics now struggle under the weight of political influence. And when the pillars of a people begin to shake, the roof can no longer stand strong.
This is why I ask again: who truly are the stakeholders of Eleme?
Are stakeholders merely politicians and office holders? Or are they every son and daughter genuinely committed to the dignity, survival, and advancement of our land?
I have often maintained that Eleme needs a neutral voice: vibrant, courageous, independent, and respected, a voice that can boldly speak on behalf of the people in matters where it may become politically difficult, improper, or too sensitive for the offices of the Local Government Chairman or the traditional ruler to openly confront. Such a pressure group is necessary.
A people without organized civic voices easily become victims of silence and neglect. The child who does not cry is abandoned by the mother. If Eleme remains silent, who then will speak for Eleme?
Look around Rivers State today. Ethnic nationalities are boldly positioning themselves, speaking strongly for or against where the next governor should emerge from. That is how a people negotiate relevance. That is how communities secure opportunities and strategic positions in governance. Nobody hands influence to a silent people.
This is not about opposition. It is about identity. It is about collective consciousness. Unfortunately, in Eleme, silence has become too comfortable. We have become too accustomed to lining up behind others while our own interests continue to suffer.
But development naturally follows a people who are united in purpose and conscious of their identity.
While government must urgently address the issue of electricity in Eleme, there must also be a deliberate effort to birth an active and independent pressure group: one that can serve as a bridge between the people and those in power; one that can engage government constructively without becoming enslaved by politics; one that can defend the interest of Eleme without fear or favour.
The people deserve light. They deserve dignity. They deserve development that reflects the enormous wealth extracted daily from their land.
And beyond electricity, Eleme must rise again to speak for itself.
The time is now.
…Nwafor Oji Awala, a publisher and film producer, writes from Eleme, Rivers State
