Isaac Boro Day: Gov Diri preaches Ijaw Unity

Gov Douye Diri of Bayelsa on Saturday urged Ijaws to jettison their differences and work towards the development of Ijaw land and resource control which the late Ijaw icon, Isaac Boro stood for.

Diri and his deputy, Sen Lawrence Ehwrujakpo joined member of Boro’s family at the graveside of the late Boro at Ijaw Heroes Park, Yenagoa to commemorate the 52nd anniversary of the Ijaw hero.

The governor, who spoke after laying wreaths at Boro’s grave, called for the revitalisation of the Ijaw Youths Council (IYC) and Ijaw National Congress (INC) noted that there was need to consolidate on Boro’s efforts in the quest for justice and equity from the Nigerian federation.

“The Ijaw should unite in the struggle for freedom, equity and justice for our people and as someone who is a part of the Ijaw struggle, it is important for us to step up and be intellectual in the pursuit of our goals within the Nigerian state.

“We must be aware that times have changed and the circumstances that existed in Boro’s time and now are different so there is need to be strategic and organised so that we can bring those things that Boro worked to achieve to our people.

“Unfortunately due to the COVID-19, we are constrained to mark the 52 nd anniversary of Boro’s death in a low keyed mode with just members of his family,” Diri said.

Earlier, Chief Theophilus Ogoriba, a prominent Ijaw leader applauded the courage and political exploits of Boro in his life time and challenged Ijaw youths to take a cue from Boro who worked and died in search of better life for Ijaw people.

He noted that 52 years after his demise, Boro continues to inspire people to stand up in defense of equity and fairness adding that such feat was rare in current times where leaders are easily forgotten.

Also Dame Esther Boro, first daughter of Boro recalled that her father was a loving father and a great man who loved his people but died young in his early thirties.

She recalled that her late father was a teacher at home and taught them to love and sacrifice for others beyond material things.

“We have come a long way as children of late Isaac Jasper Adaka Boro and indeed a lot has changed in the current Nigerian state and I call on people of the current generation to live a selfless life.

“A lot has changed so let’s change the narrative and concentrate more on development of the mind and physical development as well,” she said.