THERE is no gainsaying that 2015 could be a defining moment in Nigeria's political history going by prevailing political events in the country.
While to the politically naive 2015 looks a long while away, but to the politically discerning minds, 2015 is just around the corner. Already different ethnic nationalities and regional powers are plotting and strategizing to make the most of the 2015 general elections to their advantage, particularly the presidential election.
No one needs to be told that the Urhobos, until now, have been relegated at the national level for reasons best known to the powers that be at the centre, and this is in spite of the fact that they are the fifth largest ethnic group in the country and are home to vast amount of the nation's crude oil and gas reserves.
Politically, the Urhobos with their numerical strength are suppose to have a high bargaining power in Nigeria's political equation, but unfortunately they have failed to take advantage of this leverage as a result of disunity in their ranks.
However, as the nation looks forward to the 2015 general election, they need not be told told that they must do everything possible to put their house in order lest they remain politically irrelevant at the national and state level.
At the federal level, they must ensure that they lend their support and line behind any political party or candidate that would uphold and protect their collective interests notwithstanding where the candidate hails from.
The idea of supporting a candidate because of regional sentiments and emotions must be put behind them as it has not helped the Urhobo cause in any form as can be observed in the present administration.The Urhobos’ interest should be paramount and above regional or party interest which has not brought them any good, but rather backwardness and dire neglect.
The Urhobos have no other time than 2015 to assert and stamp their political influence and power. They must make hay when the sun shines.
A word is enough for the wise!!
Mr Ohwevwo Ufuoma Eugene wrote from Warri
