By Mark Lenu
The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) has again recognized the selfless commitment made by the Alabo Edi-Abali of Kalabari Kingdom, Alhaji Mujahid Dokubo Asari in fighting to promote the economic and environmental justice of the Ijaw nation.
Alhaji Asari who is a revered leader in the Niger Delta region was extolled during the inauguration of all the chapters of IYC in Kalabari kingdom on Friday at the Town Hall of Obuama community in Degema LGA of Rivers State.
Speaking with our correspondent at the end of the inauguration, the Chairman of Kalabari Se-ikpangi, Comrade Edward Asikitams said: “The program was about the inauguration of all the various chapters in Kalabari Se-Ikpangi and we use the medium to recognize the selfless sacrifices in the struggle for self-determination and resource control especially in Kalabari.
“So, we recognize prominent Kalabari sons and daughters in the likes of our revered Piramid, Alhaji Mujahid Dokubo Asari, and King Diamond Tobin West among others.
“We also recognize those who died in active service while defending the course such as General Awala and other fallen heroes.
“I also charge the inaugural chapter leaders to take up responsibility because leadership is anchored on two pedestrials which are responsibility and privilege. The mandate given to them by their various communities to lead their chapters is a privilege. Therefore, the responsibility to discharge their duties should be 24/7. I mean they should be up and doing.
“Most of the Kalabari communities are oil-producing communities which means they are key stakeholders in the oil and gas industry.
“We have the Petroleum Industry Act as well as the local content law and so they must question authorities. They must know if the oil companies operating within their communities are obeying the local content law or not. They should know if the Petroleum Industry Act is implemented in their communities or not.”
On his part, the National President of IYC, Sir Jonathan Lokpobiri who was represented by the Deputy National President, Comrade Freedom Atigbi urged the newly inaugurated chapters to consolidate on the gains achieved from the 12-Day Revolutionary Declaration of Late General Adaka Boro.
Lokpobiri was quoted as saying that:
“The event is to consolidate on the selfless sacrifice of our forebearers. The Niger Delta Republic came into being because of the passion that the Late General Adaka Boro and his lieutenants had for the Ijaw people.
“The event is to consolidate on Boro’s achievement and recognizing those who have committed a lot in the struggle will spur young comrades who are determined to give in their all in the struggle for the common interest of our people.
Our correspondent reports that other members of the IYC national delegation at the event were the Deputy Speaker of the IYC Mobilization Parliament, Rt. Hon. Irene Kaladappa Jumbo, the National Financial Secretary, Comrade Victor Gow, and the former Chairman of IYC Eastern Zone, Comrade Sammy George.
The Theme of the program is the essence of the 12-day revolution as well as the success achieved so far from the Boro’s declaration.
