Two score and nine years have passed, today, since Nigeria became a sovereign nation bound in freedom, peace and unity. Side by side, we have existed. Surrounded by cultural diversification and deepen in a multilingual sink, the people of Nigeria have had their share of everything bad and a little of everything good. We have survived the furies and hatreds of the military coup, civil war, religious disputes, ethnic discrimination and interethnic conflicts. Today, our strength and greatness is built upon these and the mercy of God. Our leaders have never being the ones we should be proud of. They have failed almost all of the times, doing next to little to improve the everyday lives of ordinary Nigerians. Yet, in their God given strength, Nigerians have stayed resilient and sailed across every windy and stormy ocean. Generations of leaders have come and gone. Trillions of dollars have being spent. And after all of these and in 49 years today, Nigeria, inhabited by over one hundred and forty million men, women and children is where it is, buried in corrupt leaders, self-centered, carefree and bloody politicians and a deprived, cheated and hungry population yearning for change every second of their lives.

Nigeria became independent on the first day of October, in the year nineteen hundred and sixty. Three years later (1963), she became a republic. The independence of Nigeria was a dream of many. It was a dream that quenched the lives and seized the breaths of many who fought for it. These are lives we expect our leaders and every other Nigerians to honor, at least, by serving Nigeria, our father land with heart and might and with a sense of service and sacrifice.


From Independence till this second, we have seen many leaders. Men in the likes of Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, the first and only ceremonial president of Nigeria, and Alhaji Abubakar Tafawa Belewa, the first and only prime minister of Nigeria. These two ruled Nigeria until the advent of military coup de Tats in 1966, the first of which was named the Majors’ coup, led by Major Kaduna, who did not even feel the temperature of the presidential sit himself. This gave way for the short-lived leadership of Johnson Thomas Umurakwe Aguiyi-Ironsi, which was between, 16 Jan 1966 - 29 Jul 1966. This government was toppled by the second coup termed the Counter coup which gave birth to the era of Major General Yakubu Gowon (1 Aug 1966 - 29 Jul 1975 ). And then, it was a free fall. This administration lived through the civil war. Yakubu Gowon ruled for nine years and was toppled by General Murtala Ramat Muhammed (29 Jul 1975 - 13 Feb 1976). His administration ended with his death and he became the second Nigerian Military Head of State to die in office after Aguiyi Ironsi. His deputy, General Olushegun Obassanjo, was given the free hand to lead, since Dimka, the leader of the coup that killed Mutala Muhammed, was screwed himself. So, after three military leaders, a bloody civil war, inter-ethnic power struggle and a host of other unpleasant events, Gen. Olusegun Obassanjo relinquished power to a democratically elected civilian government, at least that was what they said,. It is believed that Obassanjo’s administration which lasted for about three years and seven months (14 Feb. 1976 - 1 Oct 1979), was allowed to lit because, he agreed to oversee a transition to a civilian rule. Obassanjo kept his promise and the time of Alhaji Shehu Shagari, a time known as the second republic, was ushered in. Accused of corruption and lack of credibility and other things, General Muhammedu Buhari and his strongman, Idiabgon, toppled the civilian government and suspended the constitution. Nigerians were happy that, if not for anything, at least, they have a civilian government. But it was taken away and Nigerians will never forget that. And Buhari did not have a sweet long time because he ruled for only I year and eight months (31 Dec 1983 – 27 Aug 1985). Then came Gen Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, who removed Buhari from office in a coup and ruled for eight years with a iron-fist. He was the only Nigerian Head of State who, somehow, succeeded in making himself a Military President. He ruled for about eight years (27 Aug 1985 – 4 Jan 1993 and left the office for Chief Ernest Adekunle Oladeinde Shonican, whose administration was an interim one, (26 Aug 1993 – 17 Nov 1993) Gen. Sani Abacha took over from Shonecan without waves and gave Nigeria a bloody type of leadership, (17 Nov 1993 – 8 Jun 1998). He died as he was preparing to become Nigeria’s forth civilian leader. This made him the 3rd Nigerian Military leader to die in office.Then immerged Gen. Abdusalam Abubakar, who led Nigeria into another era of civilian rule after ruling for about one year and four months, (9 Jan 1998 – 29 May 1999). This era is what we are experiencing till date. It was first chaired by Chief Olusegun Obassanjo from 29 May 1999 to 29th of May 2007, when Alhaji Umar Musa Yar’ Adua took over.

These men, at different times in our nation’s history, have being saddled with the enormous responsibility of leading a great country like Nigeria. And they have gotten our appreciation for that, for uneasy lies the head that wears the crown, they say. If you read their names well, you will notice that they sound jaw-breaking, epigrammatic and great. Oh! I forgot! They sound accomplished too. Gentlemen1 Ladies! We all know that the greatness of a man has never being revealed by the sound of his name. Neither has it being shown by his fame, possessions or success, for example in becoming the president of a country. The things that make a man great are truth, love, compassion and kindness for his fellow men, imagination, creativity and benevolence. If our leaders had these qualities or, at least, half of them, the 49 years old Nigeria we see today would have being a better one. They had the chance to build, or, at least, lay the foundation for a Nigeria in which democracy can flourish in its full strength, where the rule of law, freedom of the press and judicial independence reign supreme above every individual. It is understandable that in the present day world, each country define democracy in its own way. But ours, though not the worse, is not the one we can be proud of, at least, not yet. Today, poverty and hunger have become our friends. They found us once and have being around since then. Educational decadence and illiteracy is on the rise. The corruption virus have eaten so deeply into us that no amount of vaccines and no matter how strong can keep even the younger ones from being infected. Politicians and leaders have in their veins the notion that the people of Nigeria exist to provide them with fame fortunes and possessions. Forty and nine years, and we cannot even boast of a dependable fifteen hours a day power supply, a general water supply, standard infrastructures and we want to do what other countries (US, UK, Japan) do. Our graduates cannot find jobs. Universities go on strikes at will without considering the reason why they even exist, the students. Crime wave is on the rise and future of many Nigerians is blink. Our leaders had all the opportunities and power to change all of these and make Nigeria great as she is suppose to be.

In the mist of all of these ills, I have always being a proud Nigerian, because I know what we have in stock. I cannot even begin to mention the enormous human and natural resources Nigeria have to become the pride of Africa and the envy of the world. All we need is a good team of managers in the local, state and federal levels of leadership. It is up to us now to make it right. All of us; the seventy years old, forty years old, twenty years old, all that are alive, in our little ways to stand up and drive our nation to a part of glory. Nigeria is our country, our heritage. This is the land God has given us. Whether you are in the US, UK, India, Russia or China, you will have no other country to call your own. And if we don’t make it better, who will? Our leaders may have failed. But it is not a law that we must go down their path. We have a responsibility to redeem our nation and pass it over to the generations unborn. For, it has being said that every generation owes the next one a responsibility. And I tell you, Nigerians, we owe the next generations a responsibility. The hour has come and now is the time when we must fight for development, employments, good governance, good education patriotism, moral responsibility, peace, unity, democracy and most important of all, we must fight for the future. Nigeria has being falling right from independence and now it is time for her to rise. You have being called upon, Nigerians. Will you answer?

George Esule Michael.
Founder, The Eagles Movement.

Two score and nine years have passed, today, since Nigeria became a sovereign nation bound in freedom, peace and unity. Side by side, we have existed. Surrounded by cultural diversification and deepen in a multilingual sink, the people of Nigeria have had their share of everything bad and a little of everything good. We have survived the furies and hatreds of the military coup, civil war, religious disputes, ethnic discrimination and interethnic conflicts. Today, our strength and greatness is built upon these and the mercy of God. Our leaders have never being the ones we should be proud of. They have failed almost all of the times, doing next to little to improve the everyday lives of ordinary Nigerians. Yet, in their God given strength, Nigerians have stayed resilient and sailed across every windy and stormy ocean. Generations of leaders have come and gone. Trillions of dollars have being spent. And after all of these and in 49 years today, Nigeria, inhabited by over one hundred and forty million men, women and children is where it is, buried in corrupt leaders, self-centered, carefree and bloody politicians and a deprived, cheated and hungry population yearning for change every second of their lives.

Nigeria became independent on the first day of October, in the year nineteen hundred and sixty. Three years later (1963), she became a republic. The independence of Nigeria was a dream of many. It was a dream that quenched the lives and seized the breaths of many who fought for it. These are lives we expect our leaders and every other Nigerians to honor, at least, by serving Nigeria, our father land with heart and might and with a sense of service and sacrifice.


From Independence till this second, we have seen many leaders. Men in the likes of Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, the first and only ceremonial president of Nigeria, and Alhaji Abubakar Tafawa Belewa, the first and only prime minister of Nigeria. These two ruled Nigeria until the advent of military coup de Tats in 1966, the first of which was named the Majors’ coup, led by Major Kaduna, who did not even feel the temperature of the presidential sit himself. This gave way for the short-lived leadership of Johnson Thomas Umurakwe Aguiyi-Ironsi, which was between, 16 Jan 1966 - 29 Jul 1966. This government was toppled by the second coup termed the Counter coup which gave birth to the era of Major General Yakubu Gowon (1 Aug 1966 - 29 Jul 1975 ). And then, it was a free fall. This administration lived through the civil war. Yakubu Gowon ruled for nine years and was toppled by General Murtala Ramat Muhammed (29 Jul 1975 - 13 Feb 1976). His administration ended with his death and he became the second Nigerian Military Head of State to die in office after Aguiyi Ironsi. His deputy, General Olushegun Obassanjo, was given the free hand to lead, since Dimka, the leader of the coup that killed Mutala Muhammed, was screwed himself. So, after three military leaders, a bloody civil war, inter-ethnic power struggle and a host of other unpleasant events, Gen. Olusegun Obassanjo relinquished power to a democratically elected civilian government, at least that was what they said,. It is believed that Obassanjo’s administration which lasted for about three years and seven months (14 Feb. 1976 - 1 Oct 1979), was allowed to lit because, he agreed to oversee a transition to a civilian rule. Obassanjo kept his promise and the time of Alhaji Shehu Shagari, a time known as the second republic, was ushered in. Accused of corruption and lack of credibility and other things, General Muhammedu Buhari and his strongman, Idiabgon, toppled the civilian government and suspended the constitution. Nigerians were happy that, if not for anything, at least, they have a civilian government. But it was taken away and Nigerians will never forget that. And Buhari did not have a sweet long time because he ruled for only I year and eight months (31 Dec 1983 – 27 Aug 1985). Then came Gen Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, who removed Buhari from office in a coup and ruled for eight years with a iron-fist. He was the only Nigerian Head of State who, somehow, succeeded in making himself a Military President. He ruled for about eight years (27 Aug 1985 – 4 Jan 1993 and left the office for Chief Ernest Adekunle Oladeinde Shonican, whose administration was an interim one, (26 Aug 1993 – 17 Nov 1993) Gen. Sani Abacha took over from Shonecan without waves and gave Nigeria a bloody type of leadership, (17 Nov 1993 – 8 Jun 1998). He died as he was preparing to become Nigeria’s forth civilian leader. This made him the 3rd Nigerian Military leader to die in office.Then immerged Gen. Abdusalam Abubakar, who led Nigeria into another era of civilian rule after ruling for about one year and four months, (9 Jan 1998 – 29 May 1999). This era is what we are experiencing till date. It was first chaired by Chief Olusegun Obassanjo from 29 May 1999 to 29th of May 2007, when Alhaji Umar Musa Yar’ Adua took over.

These men, at different times in our nation’s history, have being saddled with the enormous responsibility of leading a great country like Nigeria. And they have gotten our appreciation for that, for uneasy lies the head that wears the crown, they say. If you read their names well, you will notice that they sound jaw-breaking, epigrammatic and great. Oh! I forgot! They sound accomplished too. Gentlemen1 Ladies! We all know that the greatness of a man has never being revealed by the sound of his name. Neither has it being shown by his fame, possessions or success, for example in becoming the president of a country. The things that make a man great are truth, love, compassion and kindness for his fellow men, imagination, creativity and benevolence. If our leaders had these qualities or, at least, half of them, the 49 years old Nigeria we see today would have being a better one. They had the chance to build, or, at least, lay the foundation for a Nigeria in which democracy can flourish in its full strength, where the rule of law, freedom of the press and judicial independence reign supreme above every individual. It is understandable that in the present day world, each country define democracy in its own way. But ours, though not the worse, is not the one we can be proud of, at least, not yet. Today, poverty and hunger have become our friends. They found us once and have being around since then. Educational decadence and illiteracy is on the rise. The corruption virus have eaten so deeply into us that no amount of vaccines and no matter how strong can keep even the younger ones from being infected. Politicians and leaders have in their veins the notion that the people of Nigeria exist to provide them with fame fortunes and possessions. Forty and nine years, and we cannot even boast of a dependable fifteen hours a day power supply, a general water supply, standard infrastructures and we want to do what other countries (US, UK, Japan) do. Our graduates cannot find jobs. Universities go on strikes at will without considering the reason why they even exist, the students. Crime wave is on the rise and future of many Nigerians is blink. Our leaders had all the opportunities and power to change all of these and make Nigeria great as she is suppose to be.

In the mist of all of these ills, I have always being a proud Nigerian, because I know what we have in stock. I cannot even begin to mention the enormous human and natural resources Nigeria have to become the pride of Africa and the envy of the world. All we need is a good team of managers in the local, state and federal levels of leadership. It is up to us now to make it right. All of us; the seventy years old, forty years old, twenty years old, all that are alive, in our little ways to stand up and drive our nation to a part of glory. Nigeria is our country, our heritage. This is the land God has given us. Whether you are in the US, UK, India, Russia or China, you will have no other country to call your own. And if we don’t make it better, who will? Our leaders may have failed. But it is not a law that we must go down their path. We have a responsibility to redeem our nation and pass it over to the generations unborn. For, it has being said that every generation owes the next one a responsibility. And I tell you, Nigerians, we owe the next generations a responsibility. The hour has come and now is the time when we must fight for development, employments, good governance, good education patriotism, moral responsibility, peace, unity, democracy and most important of all, we must fight for the future. Nigeria has being falling right from independence and now it is time for her to rise. You have being called upon, Nigerians. Will you answer?

George Esule Michael.
Founder, The Eagles Movement.

Amnesty! What is that? One dictionary told me, it’s a, ‘decision, especially, by a government, not to use the usual punishment for crime or the time which this last’. Now, just for a moment, let’s pause and reason together. Not as Hausas, Yorubas or Niger Deltans. But as human beings, plain and simple. I have said that the Niger Delta is a land blessed by God, but cursed by men. The Niger Delta has paid a punishing and painful prize for her oil. Oil which the federal government have claimed by law, of course. Nigeria is a land inhabited by over 140 million people, moving across 36 states. The giant of Africa, she is called. The most populous black nation on earth. A glory well deserved, theoretically, no doubt. But you see, all this glory and fame is fueled by the oil found beneath the foot places of the people of the Niger Delta. A people conceived by destiny and born into the glory that has whipped them from generation to generation by the hands of those who feel they are Gods.

I grew up in the depth of the Niger Delta, I always say. The only light I enjoyed was the sun by the day and the moon by the night. The most constant water supply I know of is the water flowing through our rivers. The one that is filthy and packed with all the microbes and oils spilled from the pipes laid by the oil companies. Roads? Well, let’s not talk about it. Strong and capable youths, literate and illiterate rot in the streets of towns and cities looking for jobs day to day only wishing for luck to shine upon them. Many wants to go to school, but couldn’t. Even those who try couldn’t get a teacher to teach them sometimes, for one to two weeks. There are some secondary schools where the principal is the only employed staff. This might be hard to accept. But I experienced this myself about 10years ago. Student cannot do ordinary titration of an acid against a base after high school and he will tell you he did science in school. If we do not even invest in education, how, then, do we ensure our future? Even those who go to school, find it difficult to make money decently. When it comes to infrastructures, we are crawling like a tortoise. Our towns and villages are still separated from the cities. And now, they tell us the oil is drying out. So, they are cutting down the statutory monthly allocation. Now, they tell us due to militancy and oil pipes destruction, they are not able to suck as much oil as needed. For that, they are cutting down the money we are receiving. What a shame? All we ever wanted was basic amenities, infrastructures, education and opportunities to prosper and put a decent meal on the table and send our kids to school, nothing more. But what did we get? Pollution of our rivers and farm lands, neglect and injustice, darkness and thirst, hunger and poverty and leaving us to starve. And the list goes on.

So, after much talk and crying, many decided to carry arms and fight, hopping that things will change for the better. But what could a couple of men with handguns and a few grenades and machinery do against the furry of the Nigerian Military? So, the struggle is foiled by the fancy and heavy weaponry of the military. Militancy and kidnapping are evil in the sight of God and man and are unjustifiable and punishable by law. But before the government blame the militants and offer them forgiveness or amnesty, as they have called it, they should also apologize to the poor hungry people of the Niger Delta for the decades of injustice, nonchalance and neglect. When oil was discovered in the Niger Delta decades ago, it was seen as a blessing to the Nigerian nation, and for this, Nigeria is, no matter what, a recognize member of the international community and held in high esteem. But, for the people of the Niger Delta, the oil is a curse. A curse that have brought us bloodshed, hate, discord, pain, poverty, hunger, crime, hopelessness, injustice, neglect and have turned, a ones, fun-loving and peaceful land, into a war zone and breeding ground for militants and militancy.

Amnesty is good! But in as much as it is needed by all at this point, and for the sake of peace, I cannot help but wonder, who need this amnesty more? Is it the bunch of people who have engaged in various forms of thievery, murder, cheating, injustice and have deprived the people of the Niger Delta a good life? Or a couple of frustrated youths who acted angrily because they were hungry for change, a little space to make ends meet and find a decent job and be able to own their own families? I guess you know the answer to that question. I believe that everyman should be punished for his crime(s). Militancy and kidnapping are crimes and are punishable by law. Knowing this, the militants are giving up their arms and forsaking violence and crime. It is amnesty, alright? In the same way, it is only natural that those men and women who are keeping the Niger Delta in this despicable state should also forsake thievery and fraud, murder, cheating, injustice, selfishness and greed. This way, the equation will be balanced. Otherwise, the amnesty deal by the government can only be use to win the battle against militancy and kidnapping. But it cannot be used to win the war against oppression, injustice, neglect and political inequality. For once, the government should step up and solve the problems of the Niger Delta and Nigeria. The talks, meetings, committees, boards, big appointments, enquiries and all what not are enough. Action is what is needed. Infrastructures, basic amenities and opportunities for people to prosper. Not big talks and empty promises.
George Esule Michael.
Founder The Eagles Movement.

I have said before and I will say it again. The Niger Delta in the area of the Niger is a land blessed by God, but cursed by men. No day passes, brethren, for the decades I have lived in this world that I have not sat and wonder why someone can be rich, yet as poor as anything you can think of. It doesn’t make sense, does it? Even the sound of it, is unimaginable. But that is the case in the Niger Delta of Nigeria.

The place referred to as Niger Delta comprises nine out of the thirty-six states in Nigeria. Beside others, Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, Cross Rivers and Edo States are included. But, you see! I am not here to teach anyone geography. Gentle men! Ladies! I am wary, even unto death, not just because we (Niger Delta) have no power supply, good supply of drinkable water, standard road networks, manageable hospitals with comfortable number of doctors and equipments, good schools to send our kids to, good and trusted government with the political will to do good and well secured environment for living, business and families, but the fate of my brothers and the path they have chosen. It is true that we have not gotten the basic necessities of life. But even at that, we were struggling to survive and God did bless our efforts and we lived in peace ones. Our children can go out to play and walk to school freely without fear of being kidnapped. Our wives and mothers can go to the market and come back home to their families in one piece. The only thing they worried about was if the day was good or bad. I still remember that our fathers and brothers and sons, in as much as they have strength, can go out to struggle for themselves and for their families in the sun and in the rain and come back home to their families for comfort and encouragement.

I know and remember that we suffered and we are still suffering, even though our lands are enriched with oil from which the country Nigeria pays her bills. Our rivers are blessed and from the waters we derived food for our body and for the strength we need to withstand the oppression of the lions who can’t even hunt for their own food. Do you want to know about the climate and the weather? It is always beautiful and lovely in the south. Even the rain comes with the sweetest of sounds and with good gifts for our lands. The sun keeps us warm and healthy and makes our foods grow. All these are the riches, God have given us. But still, we are like beggars who settle for what the pedestrians give to us. And we live like people who have no choice. Even our leaders only think of what they can grab for themselves and their families. Frustration, hopelessness, pain and poverty have found the people of the Niger Delta ones and have being around since then. This have made my brothers, the people I love so much, to choose a path that is rather destructive in the before God and men. Agitation begat activists. Activists begat movement. Movement begat militancy. Militancy begat division. Division begat crimes and kidnappings. My friends, all these have lead to chaos. Now the youths of the Niger Delta afflict pain on their own people to show their anger and frustration at the Federal and State governments and the leaders for their failures to give them good lives and opportunities. The place ones known to be fun and struggles and home is now a war zone and a haven for terror and crimes and kidnappings. And the Governments are capitalizing on that as an excuse to keep neglecting the area and the people saying that it is not possible to develop the Niger Delta because of militancy and crime. I cannot help but wonder who have got the power to put these evils away! If the cries of the people were taken seriously before now, there wouldn’t have being no militancy and kidnappings.

I am sure, that there are good men in the Niger Delta still. We can come together and find a way to end this devil that has occupied our lands. If we unite behind one flag and match on one front, I believe that we will unleash something so powerful that all that have cheated us all these years will go on their knees and apologize for their wicked ways and return all that have being stolen from us. I believe that the unity of a people can change any system. We must rise up now that we still have breath in us and set a vision for our land. A vision to give the Niger Delta her true self. A man can acquire all the wealth in this world and have the women to him self. But the glory and memories of men still belong to hose that follow their visions. If we follow this vision, with determination, togetherness, the willingness to do good and forsaking evil, I assure you, victory will be ours. For where determination is predominant, failure cannot dismantle the flag of success. It is only a matter of time, the world shall see men and women rise from the south and by their hands, God will bring joy, peace prosperity, plenty and victory to the people of the Niger Delta. For my brothers of the Niger Delta, forsake crime, forsake evil, Two wrongs can never make a right. Do not soil your souls with wickedness and hate. For that is only rewarded with destruction and death. Attacking your own people only divides us and makes us weak and vulnerable. It is true tha we are weak and vulnerable already. But I want you to know that legends are made from vulnerable men. Just drop crime and and violence. Remember, you kill by the sword, you will die by it.
George Esule Michael
Founder The Eagles Movement.

I have said before and I will say it again. The Niger Delta in the area of the Niger is a land blessed by God, but cursed by men. No day passes, brethren, for the decades I have lived in this world that I have not sat and wonder why someone can be rich, yet as poor as anything you can think of. It doesn’t make sense, does it? Even the sound of it, is unimaginable. But that is the case in the Niger Delta of Nigeria.

The place referred to as Niger Delta comprises nine out of the thirty-six states in Nigeria. Beside others, Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, Cross Rivers and Edo States are included. But, you see! I am not here to teach anyone geography. Gentle men! Ladies! I am wary, even unto death, not just because we (Niger Delta) have no power supply, good supply of drinkable water, standard road networks, manageable hospitals with comfortable number of doctors and equipments, good schools to send our kids to, good and trusted government with the political will to do good and well secured environment for living, business and families, but the fate of my brothers and the path they have chosen. It is true that we have not gotten the basic necessities of life. But even at that, we were struggling to survive and God did bless our efforts and we lived in peace ones. Our children can go out to play and walk to school freely without fear of being kidnapped. Our wives and mothers can go to the market and come back home to their families in one piece. The only thing they worried about was if the day was good or bad. I still remember that our fathers and brothers and sons, in as much as they have strength, can go out to struggle for themselves and for their families in the sun and in the rain and come back home to their families for comfort and encouragement.

I know and remember that we suffered and we are still suffering, even though our lands are enriched with oil from which the country Nigeria pays her bills. Our rivers are blessed and from the waters we derived food for our body and for the strength we need to withstand the oppression of the lions who can’t even hunt for their own food. Do you want to know about the climate and the weather? It is always beautiful and lovely in the south. Even the rain comes with the sweetest of sounds and with good gifts for our lands. The sun keeps us warm and healthy and makes our foods grow. All these are the riches, God have given us. But still, we are like beggars who settle for what the pedestrians give to us. And we live like people who have no choice. Even our leaders only think of what they can grab for themselves and their families. Frustration, hopelessness, pain and poverty have found the people of the Niger Delta ones and have being around since then. This have made my brothers, the people I love so much, to choose a path that is rather destructive in the before God and men. Agitation begat activists. Activists begat movement. Movement begat militancy. Militancy begat division. Division begat crimes and kidnappings. My friends, all these have lead to chaos. Now the youths of the Niger Delta afflict pain on their own people to show their anger and frustration at the Federal and State governments and the leaders for their failures to give them good lives and opportunities. The place ones known to be fun and struggles and home is now a war zone and a haven for terror and crimes and kidnappings. And the Governments are capitalizing on that as an excuse to keep neglecting the area and the people saying that it is not possible to develop the Niger Delta because of militancy and crime. I cannot help but wonder who have got the power to put these evils away! If the cries of the people were taken seriously before now, there wouldn’t have being no militancy and kidnappings.

I am sure, that there are good men in the Niger Delta still. We can come together and find a way to end this devil that has occupied our lands. If we unite behind one flag and match on one front, I believe that we will unleash something so powerful that all that have cheated us all these years will go on their knees and apologize for their wicked ways and return all that have being stolen from us. I believe that the unity of a people can change any system. We must rise up now that we still have breath in us and set a vision for our land. A vision to give the Niger Delta her true self. A man can acquire all the wealth in this world and have the women to him self. But the glory and memories of men still belong to hose that follow their visions. If we follow this vision, with determination, togetherness, the willingness to do good and forsaking evil, I assure you, victory will be ours. For where determination is predominant, failure cannot dismantle the flag of success. It is only a matter of time, the world shall see men and women rise from the south and by their hands, God will bring joy, peace prosperity, plenty and victory to the people of the Niger Delta. For my brothers of the Niger Delta, forsake crime, forsake evil, Two wrongs can never make a right. Do not soil your souls with wickedness and hate. For that is only rewarded with destruction and death. Attacking your own people only divides us and makes us weak and vulnerable. It is true tha we are weak and vulnerable already. But I want you to know that legends are made from vulnerable men. Just drop crime and and violence. Remember, you kill by the sword, you will die by it.
George Esule Michael
Founder The Eagles Movement.

Politics! Even the sound of the word is scary these days. Many don’t want to be associated with it. I mean politics. Now, why is that? Why is that when every aspects of our lives seems to be influenced by politics.

The answer to this question is still, one of the greatest puzzles of our generation. I want to say, here, that I understand why people have refused to get involved in politics, especially in Nigeria. Politics is, in our present day, being used as a machine, not to improve lives, but to set confusions, scare people, create hostility, promote division and oppress the poor and the less fortunate. Elections in Nigeria have lead to the loss of lives and destruction of properties. I say this because I have seen this with my own eyes and it is no longer news to us. Many youths who would have become useful to our country in different capacities and levels have gone under just because one man want to win a political seat. Some of them (youths) have gone into harms way and have become dangerous, even unto themselves for an office that will, in the end, not even change their lives positively.

This is not seen as an ill thing to be happening in a civilized society like ours. Whoops! I just said that, right? Okay! But of course! This is the case in our fatherland. I want to use this chance to say that ‘what we do in life echoes in eternity’. So, we must resist the temptation of involving in political violence. And this goes out to those of us who want to run for political offices and to those who will do the voting. For those men and women who wish to run for an office and feel that the only way to win an election is through violence, force, wars and militancy should take heed because there is judgment for everything a man does, either here on earth or somewhere else, one way or another. Some will say that this is a religious believe. But it is real and logical to say that the way you make your bed, so, you lay on it. If you beat an evil drum you sure must dance to the sound it produce. For those of us who feel that guns and bombs are the only tools with which elections can be won, should endeavor to put their sons and daughters at the front carrying those guns. That was how our fore fathers lived. Kings and leaders don’t only grace the battle field with their presence and participation, but also brought their princes and sometimes, they get killed. This was regarded as an honorable death. Today, people fighting for positions in Nigeria; send their golden children to London, America, Paris and other parts of the world. While they send the young innocent youths who were born the same way as their children, to bear arms and die for their selfish gains. This is nothing but murder. Think of this; you send someone or you agree to go into battle or bear arms because of a political seat, what do you call that? The person can get killed. Because you are going against a person with the same weapon like yours. This is murder or should I say suicide. Either way, it’s about some one getting killed for an office or political seat.

Now, what do we do about all of these? Nothing! Because the question should be; what should I do about all of these? Every man and woman should embrace a new sense of decency and responsibility. For the politicians and the leaders, accept it or not, it is wrong to ask anyone, for that matter, to put him or herself  in harms way for you because you want to win a political position. No amount of money given to such persons is enough or equal to their lives. The blood of every man that looses his life for your political dreams will be on you head. It’s just a mater of time. No man can give life to another. So, no man has the right to take another’s life. Asking an innocent youth to carry arms for you is also an act of murder. Because you know this young man you are sending into battle have 89.9 to 97.9 per cent possibility of getting killed. Most times, these young men are handicap financially. So, they are forced to get involved in all these despicable things. And guess what! Even their poor financial conditions are due to the selfish and greedy people who have flooded our system or politics. So, like I said earlier; whatever a man does in his life as he ascends to greater heights will surely revisit him along the line whether good or bad. The time has come and now is the hour when all of us must let go of excessive personal gains and serve a course greater than ourselves. Get your political seat from the people and by force and through blood. Because, it is God that make men what they are. And the voice of the people, they say, is the voice of God. Also, know that you are not elected to be worshiped. But instead, you are elected to serve.

For our youths; why have you decided to sell your souls for pea nuts? Why have you decided to barter your lives for pennies? For ones, just pause and think about that woman that carried you in her womb for nine months and underwent a hard and painful labor to bring you into this world. Don’t you think she deserve some respect? My brothers and sister, if you must die, it should be for something great and memorable. Not for some greedy politician or leaders who don’t even know your name. Just think about this! Why should a pregnant goat be sold? And if she must be sold; why for the cost of nothing? What I mean is that; why should our lives be sold? And if they must be sold; why for the cost of noting? Ten, twenty or even one to one hundred million naira. Tell me! Is it worth dying for? Is it worth your life? Can’t you sense the abnormality in this? That someone is in an office does not make him your god. Rather you should know that that person is your servant. Let us stand together. Let us say no to bribery, corruption and political violence. Let us unite behind one flag with a spirit of service and sacrifice for our country. Let us drop the guns and divisions and wars and malice and make our differences a weapon against the devils amongst us. If we do these, we will not only change our country and enjoy it together, but we are going to leave a more united, prosperous and protected Nigeria for our children and for our children’s’ children and even unto 4th generation. As youths, this task lies on our shoulders and in no time we will be the ones to answer our children’s questions about this land God have given us. Each one of us can make a difference. In our schools, offices, in the streets, restaurants, clubs, churches, mosques, hospitals, police stations, barracks and even in our homes. Remember! Sow no evil and you will reap no evil. You cannot plant a bean seed and expect to reap an onion ball. And believe it or not, no amount of money is equal to your life or even a good name.

For our parents, it is only necessary that you bring up you children in the way of the Lord. If you are a pagan or if you don’t believe in God, all I am saying is that you must bring up your children in a responsible way and support them, so that they will not fall into the temptation of these blood tasty and money worshiping greedy men. Also, we must learn to cut our coats according to our clothes. It is necessary to bring into the world, a number of children we can cater for. So that none will be left for the devil to tempt with money, crime and violence. We must teach out children to serve and to love, but not to hate and to destroy.

George Esule Michael
Founder The Eagles Movement.

Let us put it this way for the sake of this article. That somebody is the governor of a state, local government chairman or president of a country does not make him or her wisest and all knowing individual. In my opinion, it will do us a lot of good if we get rid of the notion that people we elect or appoint into public offices are gods and that they know everything and need no help from us. (Continue below)

It is important, I say here, that these men and women, whether be it a governor or president, are human beings like us. Flesh and blood with a heart beating like that of yours and mine. And as humans, we are imperfect and are bound to making mistakes. Also, we may know what is good, but we are weak to know what is best for us and what is correct. So, the point I am trying to make is that it is not correct for us to sit in our houses and distances and shower blames on governments and public office holders. Instead, we should always participate in the process of governing, by reminding and making calls to our leaders to do the things that are necessary for us. I agree that the governor is one man. And it is true that he appoint people to work with him. But it is also true that it is impossible for them to reach out to evry one and everyehere. Where they cannot reach out to, we, as good citizens, should help by bringing that point to them. (Continue below)

We can give many examples in respect to all of these. Now, say, someone or a company has being given a contract to do a particular job and the person or company collects the money and refuse to do the job. We, as the people to benefit from this project should go to these fellows and demand for reasons why they have refused to do what they have collected money for. If they refuse to give any explanations, then we should go to the appropriate quarters and demand for actions against these people. By the time this happens up to ten times and made public, changes will begin to surface. (Continue below)

This is just one of many ways to  show that we all can make a different. What we need is a sense of concern, patriotism and determination to change our country. And I can assure you that just a little effort and determination, change will come. For, where determination is predominant, failure cannot dismantle the flag of success. If we all unite behind a single flag and form a common front to stand against; abandoned projects, corruption, neglect, man know man, lack of reliable power supply and clean drinking water for all and other nagging problems and anti-developmental practices, we will not only lift our land out of frustration, but we will be able to create a new world safer and more prosperous and leave it for the next generations. For, the unity of a people can change any system. (Continue below).

Fellow Niger-Deltans and Nigerians, we must put our country first in our public lives. If we change our current approach towards political, social, economic and moral issues, our lives will be better and our governments will function better. Our governors, especially, in the Niger-Delta, need our help and participation in the governing process. I know they do and if we can drop our anger and join hands in working with them now, they will do better and give us the opportunities we seek. Let us speak the truth always and contribute positively to our governments and stop making it a one man’s job to change the situation of things. There is no need to be afraid to speak the truth. For if we do the things we fear, then, the death of fear is certain.

George Esule Michael
Founder The Eagles Movement.

The Eagles Movement is like the sun, this time, rising from the Niger-Delta in Nigeria. This organization have come, not to spill blood, neither has it come to divide. But, unseen and unheard of, we have come to;
-Help governments realize their priorities,
-Assist governments to do the peoples’ business and not theirs,
-Promote peace, justice, equality and prosperity, first, in the Niger-Delta and in Nigeria at large.
-Promote democracy, unity and propagate a belief in patriotism and a sense of service to our great country, Nigeria.
Every country has a moment in her history when she must take a bold step and decide her destiny. For Nigeria, that time is near. And the Eagles Movement wants to be at the front-line and partake in this great adventure. It is only a matter of time. The flag of success will rise and all men, women and children will be called upon to serve and sacrifice for this country, this land we inherited from our fathers. For, onto the next generations, we owe a duty to pass-on a more shinning, prosperous and secured Nigeria.
(To be continued).
George Esule Michael.
Founder The Eagles Movement.

The Eagles Movement is like the sun, this time, rising from the Niger-Delta in Nigeria. This organization have come, not to spill blood, neither has it come to divide. But, unseen and unheard of, we have come to;
-Help governments realize their priorities,
-Assist governments to do the peoples’ business and not theirs,
-Promote peace, justice, equality and prosperity, first, in the Niger-Delta and in Nigeria at large.
-Promote democracy, unity and propagate a belief in patriotism and a sense of service to our great country, Nigeria.
Every country has a moment in her history when she must take a bold step and decide her destiny. For Nigeria, that time is near. And the Eagles Movement wants to be at the front-line and partake in this great adventure. It is only a matter of time. The flag of success will rise and all men, women and children will be called upon to serve and sacrifice for this country, this land we inherited from our fathers. For, onto the next generations, we owe a duty to pass-on a more shinning, prosperous and secured Nigeria.
(To be continued).
George Esule Michael.
Founder The Eagles Movement.

Edi. One.
Just like all Bayelsans, I am from the Niger-Delta in Nigeria. The Niger-Delta, a Land Blessed by God and cursed by men. I have wept for my people for years. But still, I wonder why we should pay the price we are paying today, because we are blessed with oil. Those of us who go to school get stranded with our certificates in our fists. Those who want to fish or farm for a living cannot do so because our lands and Rivers are polluted. Our leaders go about in fancy cars and live in mansions without worries. Nigeria is almost fifty years old, we cannot even boast of 12hrs power supply a day. The sins of our leaders are uncountable and unmentionable. Yet, the world is watching.

As frustrated as I am, I have come with the Eagles Movement, an organization whose primary goal is to make government realize its priorities, help public servants to do the peoples business and orient Nigerians and the people of the Niger-Delta to be good citizens. I should not fail to add here, that I am a Doctor in the making, sponsored by the government of Bayelsa State. The Eagles Movement will try to encourage opportunities like these for more Niger-Deltans.
Dr. George Esule Michael
Founder.