The people of Ijaw ethnic nationality yesterday marked the 55th celebration of the Isaac Boro day with a call on the federal government to implement true federalism.
In the Eastern zone of the Ijaw nation, covering Rivers State, several pro-Ijaw groups organised peaceful professions in honour of their hero, late Major Isaac Adaka Boro.
In Port Harcourt, several pro-Ijaw groups, including the Movement for the Survival of the Izon Ethnic Nationality (MOSIEND), the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) and others converged at the popular Isaac Boro Park, Port Harcourt to mark the day.
Speaking with journalists shortly after one of the processions in Port Harcourt, MOSIEND Chairman in the Eastern Zone, Ibiwari Dublin-Green, said the Ijaw ethnic nationality needs to have a fair deal in the Nigerian federation.
Dublin-Green said: “I therefore urge you to work hard for the development and freedom of the Ijaw nation because, we are not having a fair deal. The marginalization still persists and the operation continues.
“We need to o determine our future and in this current political dispensation, we are expecting the incoming government to look into restructuring and also consider the sufferings of the Niger Delta people, who bears the egg that feeds the nation.
“Furthermore, we urge the generation yet unborn to sustain the pride of place in this ancient phase of our God-given abode.
“You know that Nigeria is a federating state. We must imbibe the tenets of true federalism. At least, those who produce the resources that feeds the nation should be given due consideration in what they produce.
“Secondly, we are saying that the incoming government ably led by Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to look into all these things so that he can assuage the grievances of the Niger Delta people.”