By Stephanie Goodluck
••Says no Ijaw Senator has a bill sponsored in his name
International recognized Niger Delta human right activist Annkio Briggs has stated that Ijaw people are the hindrance behind Ijaw development.
Mama Briggs make this call in her public lecture at the maiden Ijaw Media Conference held in Alamieyeseigha Banquet Hall, Government House, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
She stated that Ijaw leaders lack of political will yet embezzlement of funds meant for development as kept Ijaw Nation moribund of development despite being heavily blessed of human and natural resources.
Briggs is particularly pained that Ijaw political office holders have treated Ijaw development with levity. Stated that no Ijaw Senator from 1999 till date has a bill sponsored by his name. This is a political failure, she said.
She acknowledged founding leaders of the Ijaw struggle like Chief Harold Dappa Biriye, King Jaja of Opobo, Isaac Adaka Boro amongst others who intentional resisted oppression and advocate as well as fight for Ijaw development.
She urges Ijaw political leaders to deliberately ensures Ijaw Nation is developed in their time.
“We must look critically in the PIA and the new ministry of blue economy, ensuring that we have the greatest stake because all Ijaw territories are coastal”.
Meanwhile, she thanked all Ijaws from Edo, Ondo, Delta, Bayelsa for the solidarity and strong support showed to Governor Sim Fubara, an Ijaw son, who is currently the Governor of Rivers State.
Mama Annkio Briggs was also awarded the Ernest Ikoli Media award as Niger Delta Activist of the Year, in recognition of her resilient, bravery and dogged advocacy for Ijaw Nation.
