By Engr. Oghotevwo L. Oyovwi, PMP, COREN, MBA, NEMSA, AMNIM
It is deeply concerning how quickly Southerners turn against their own at the slightest controversy, often without understanding the full context. This divisiveness is in stark contrast to the political unity and strategic support consistently demonstrated in the North.
When Northerners are appointed as Ministers of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), they often acquire strategic lands and consolidate influence without resistance. Hardly do you hear loud opposition from the South. But once a Southerner is elevated to a national position, the loudest voices of criticism tend to come from the South itself.
This is one of the fundamental reasons why the North continues to dominate the South politically and economically. There is a persistent failure in the South to rally behind its leaders, even when constructive criticism is warranted. Instead of providing internal support and correcting missteps privately, Southerners often publicly vilify their own, a practice that weakens collective influence.
Let us reflect on some notable Southern leaders who once held significant national weight but have now become politically irrelevant or marginalized due to no support from their own South:
Dr. Peter Odili: Once a leading figure and former Rivers State governor, now largely absent from national relevance.
Rotimi Amaechi: Former Governor of Rivers State and former Minister of Transportation; once a major player in national politics, but his present influence has notably waned.
Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, Former Federal Commissioner for Information and Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) leader. He passed away on February 17, 2025, at age 97, marking the end of a powerful and fearless voice for the Niger Delta and the South-South region. No notable ‘voice’ to replace him from the South
Goodluck Jonathan: Former President, but often seen as a leader who deferred excessively to Northern interests. His inability to build and sustain a strong Southern political bloc has left a leadership vacuum in the South. Jonathan is often perceived as lacking the assertive political charisma needed to consolidate Southern interests. Post-presidency, he has frequently appeared to aligned with Northern agendas.
The decent Donald Duke and others that were former power players, cannot currently wield enough collective influence to challenge Northern political machinery or speak decisively for the South.
Further, due to lack of strong political leadership of the South, critical southern institutions like the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) are often heavily influenced or even managed by Northern interests. Major contracts in the NDDC are reportedly cornered by Northerners, while Southerners remain divided and uninformed about even more strategic Northern initiatives like the North East Development Commission (NEDC), established in 2017.
Ask yourself…. how many Southerners are even aware of the NEDC’s mandate or operations? How many have ever been considered for contracts or leadership roles there?
The South must learn from the North’s approach to leadership, unity, and strategic influence. It is not about endorsing wrongdoing or ignoring accountability. Rather, it is about learning to build internal strength and influence before turning outward with criticism.
Until the South begins to support its own intelligently, intentionally, and strategically in politics, in business, and in national discourse, the region risks permanent marginalization. The North will continue to set the agenda while the South fights itself in public.
It’s time for a new consciousness. The South must rise with unity, wisdom, and purpose or remain politically subordinate to the North for generations to come.
Engr. Oghotevwo L. Oyovwi, PMP, COREN, MBA, NEMSA, AMNIM
(Delta State Governorship Candidate, 2019 General Elections)
