By: Sam-Michael Bayowuman
The name "Niger Delta" emanates as a result of the geographical deltas of the alleged Niger River which in this context I write to disagree with the misconception that the Niger River is emptying into the Deltas of Southern Nigeria
that separates the "Bight of Biafra from the "Bight of Guinea".
The Niger River (River Niger) originates from the Guinea highlands in South-Eastern Guinea and flows through Mali, Benin, Niger and into Nigeria where it ended and merged to form a confluence with the
Benue River (River Benue) in Lokoja which directs to form a "Single-unnamed River" that further supplies and empties into the Deltas of the present Southern Nigeria. But because of interests and intentions of coupling the Deltas into the contraption Nigeria; it (British - Colonial Explorers) described the Benue River as a major tributary of the Niger River claiming the Delta is supplied by the Niger River also. Hence, the name "Niger Delta".
Benue River (River Benue) in Lokoja which directs to form a "Single-unnamed River" that further supplies and empties into the Deltas of the present Southern Nigeria. But because of interests and intentions of coupling the Deltas into the contraption Nigeria; it (British - Colonial Explorers) described the Benue River as a major tributary of the Niger River claiming the Delta is supplied by the Niger River also. Hence, the name "Niger Delta".
The fact that the Benue River is a tributary and not a distributary of the Niger River, the river from the confluence of both rivers shouldn't have been presumed and validated as River Niger because there is a an affirmed disintegration of the Niger River and Deltas of the present Southern Nigeria. This disqualifies that notion and misconception.
The said name "Nigeria" was originated as a result of the (River) Niger Area (i.e; surrounding the Niger River) and so the name affects every part of the homogenised Nigeria as attributed by the wife of Frederick Lord Lugard, Flora Shaw. But keeping notes of where the Niger-Benue rivers ended and formed a confluence in far Lokoja which drains into the Southern Deltas, You will concur that of course the Southerners (Deltans) inhabits a Delta Area and Not the Niger (river) Area (Nigeria). This name and amalgamation was to ease the exploration of the Delta region by the British colony.
Given these marked cogencies; it is therefore pertinent to note that the British Explorers and archaeologists failed to sincerely identify and repute a name to the river supplying the Deltas in the South; perhaps they (the British colony) did so in order to commingle the Deltans into the name Nigeria that is existing on a foundation of crookery, enslavement and marginalisation.
Overtly, the Deltans are innocent of this contraption Nigeria that was meted on them on accounts of their simplicity, goodwill, hospitality, powerlessness and ignorance under the face of colonialism. Thus, henceforth becomes a burden to every Deltan to quest for its True identity and a sincere name to be called as a people.
Permit me to say the name "Niger Delta" is mischievous, deceptive, purloin and it is becoming obsolete. And as a challenge, true Deltans must proffer a remedy and a supplant to this sting caused upon us by the British colony.
It was a great belittling that we (Deltans) were given a name (Niger Delta) whose origin cannot be justified and factually traced, just so we can belong to a nation where we inherently do not belong; with concealed purposes of forcibly and diplomatically stealing and incaptivating the Deltans in the ignorance of their ancestors.
Deltans deserve an apology and medicaments from the British Government which is still never too late!
No comments:
Post a Comment