I waited since yesterday for any message on how we'll be counted as Nigerians on duty out on oilwell drilling operational sites without nothing. Nigeria is holding the first census after decades of failed attempts. The long-delayed five-day head count, which began Tuesday, 21-March-06, is supposed to be well planned and prepared for, but it seems the reverse is the case.
National Population Commission Chairman Samu'ila Danko Makama said at a news conference recently that "all arrangements humanly possible" had been made "to conduct an accurate, reliable and acceptable census." How about nigerian oilfield workers? Out here alone, from the POB figures, there are over 70 Nigerians who (according to a friend) have been de-nigerianized for not counted as Nigerians and over 15 rigs are drilling presently in the country.
From what we hear, the census has already been marred by violence: At least five people were reported killed in an ethnic clash Saturday over census boundaries in southwestern Ondo state.
In northern Nigeria, census officials rioted over pay in at least three towns, witnesses said.
Well, while we continue digging to add to the country's wealth, we think we deserved to be counted.
No comments:
Post a Comment