Senator Diri, who recalled the ideals and principles the late Boro stood for, said the issues and concerns he raised still faced the nation today, insisting that Nigeria must be a country of justice and equity. “While we wish for a good and properly run country, we as Ijaw people want a Nigeria of justice and equity where we get what is due the people. Certainly not a country where our oil is expropriated to other places and we do not get the maximum benefits,” Diri stated.
He also called for unity among Ijaws whether in Nigeria or in the Diaspora, noting that the strength of a people represents the unity of the land. “I call on all Ijaws to come together. Today reminds us of the need to be united. Our strength is in our unity. Agitation must move into the intellectual arena and that is the only way we can develop. Ijaw nation must move forward, progress and prosper. The only panacea is that we must be united. We must not hate ourselves.”
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The governor also challenged Ijaw elders and leaders to work hard to resuscitate the once vibrant Ijaw umbrella bodies, namely the Ijaw National Congress (INC) and the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), saying they represent the strong voice of the Ijaw nation. “I call on the leaders of Ijaw nation to do all that is possible to resuscitate INC and also bring back IYC stronger. Those bodies are our voices. We will work with all of you on this to have a great Ijaw nation,” he said.
Earlier in an address presented by Elder Timi Kaiser Ogoriba, the central zone elders of the IYC paid glowing tributes to the late Ijaw hero who led the historic 12-day revolution to declare the Niger Delta area a republic because of perceived injustice and oppression.
“Never in the history of human conflict in Izon nation has any man so single-handedly committed himself as Isaac Boro, who dared all odds and died for our freedom and emancipation. We will continue to defend his effort and achieve what he attempted to achieve,” Ogoriba said.
