1. Fellow Nigerians, Niger Deltans, particularly our dear and patriotic Ijaw nation, today it has been 57 solid years that a true freedom fighter, a champion of minority rights movement in Nigeria, a true liberator and a pathfinder, Maj. Jasper Isaac Adaka Boro left us while fighting for the indivisibility of Nigeria. It is with all sense of responsibility that the IYC is taking it upon itself to reflect on the ideals of Boro. That is why we tagged this year’s theme as “Maj Jasper Isaac Adaka Boro, celebrating the legacy, rekindling the struggle “.
2. In 1966, Boro established the Niger Delta Volunteer Force, an armed group primarily composed of members of the Ijaw ethnic group, and proclaimed the Niger Delta Republic on the 23rd of February 1966. This declaration led to a conflict with federal forces, lasting twelve days before Boro and his associates were apprehended and charged with treason. They were later granted amnesty by the federal government under General Yakubu Gowon in May 1967, shortly before the Nigerian Civil War.
3. However, Boro, after being released from prison by the Federal Government of Nigeria, was one of the unsung champions of the Nigerian civil war; he fought and died for the indivisibility of Nigeria as a nation. He died while fighting and defending our dear nation from disintegration.
4. Considering the sacrifices of Boro, it is our call on the Federal Government of Nigeria that it is now time for the Federal Government of Nigeria to honour Boro as a young man who laid down his life for the nation at the age of 29 years. The Federal Government should do well by declaring May 16th every year as public holiday to honour late Maj. Jasper Isaac Adaka Boro.
5. The IYC is suggesting that the Port Harcourt International Airport be named after Boro, Federal Government Institutions either in Abuja be named after him, it could be major roads within and outside the Niger Delta or other critical facilities in order to immortalise him for his struggles not to go in vain.
6. While the Bayelsa State Government has been doing a lot in immortalising Boro, we urge the Rivers State Government to do the same as Rivers State was also created to compensate the late Ijaw hero, late Maj. Jasper Isaac Adaka Boro.
The Unity of Ijaw Nation
7. It has been said that when spider webs unite, they can tie up a lion. At this point, the Ijaw nation needs to be united more than ever. We must not allow politics and other things to divide us. We are one united big family. What binds us together is greater than what can divide us. Our strength lies in our unity.
8. Dear sons and daughters of Ijaw nation, as we deeply reflect on what Boro fought and died for, let us always protect ourselves as Ijaw people in the Nigerian State; till date, we are still struggling to have a sense of belonging in the Nigerian State as major stakeholders that we should be.
9. Let us give support to our leaders holding positions in the Government; we must learn from others. Hardly have we seen youths from other ethnic groups attacking their leaders holding positions in the Government publicly despite their inefficiencies. We must not paint a picture that our people occupying political offices are not doing well when, in the real sense, they are the best in the current Tinubu-led government. From the Niger Delta Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) under High Chief Dennis Otuaro PhD, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) under the firm leadership of Dr. Samuel Ogbuku to Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri, State Minister, Petroleum Resources (Oil) Federal Republic of Nigeria, Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited under our father and leader, High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo (Tompolo), and other Ijaws in the Government are doing well. We must stand with them.
10. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should quickly work with the stakeholders in Warri Federal Constituency with a view to quickly implementing their draft report on the wards’ delineation. INEC must know that we are no longer going back to the previous fraudulent and illegal arrangement in Warri Federal Constituency. The DSS and the federal government must bring to justice the criminal elements who try to smuggle arms into Delta State to cause trouble. The federal government and its security agencies must not continue to remain silent on this life-threatening matter.
Rivers Politics and Fubara’s Return to the Government House
11. The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide is reiterating our call on His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President Federal Republic of Nigeria, to reconsider and review the suspension of the Rivers State Governor with a view to lifting the suspension before the six months for Fubara to return back to the Government House.
12. We particularly commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for signing the Nigeria Maritime University, (NMU) Okerenkoko Bill into law, the signing and establishment of the South South Development Commission, renewal of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited pipeline surveillance contract and the appointment of worthy Ijaw sons and daughters into his Government.
A Message to Niger Delta Governors
13. The council is calling on the Ondo, Edo, Delta, Akwa-Ibom, Rivers State Governors to prioritize the development of the Ijaw areas in their states, and our people be treated fairly and be given what is due them.
Appreciation
14. The 9th National Executive Council of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide is appreciating the support from Ijaw leaders in making Council more formidable, we deeply appreciate founding fathers of council, founding organisations of council such as Meinbutu, Supreme Egbesu Assembly, Federated Youths of Bayelsa, Arogbo Freedom Fighters, Izon-Ebi Dou-Ogbo, Mosiend, Elumetu/Chicoco Movement, Egene Youth Movement and others that participated in the formation of the IYC via the Kaiama Declaration on December 11th 1998.
Conclusion
15. Finally, the IYC is committed and will never be distracted in advocating for a better deal for the Ijaw people. We are stronger together in love and unity. Special thanks to the Zonal and Chapter leadership of Council, the Parliament, our wonderful clan chairmen of council as well as all sons and daughters of council. The assurance is that better days are here for us as a people.
Signed
Amb. (DR) Binebai Yerin Princewill
Spokesman, Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide.
