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By Amos Okioma, Yenagoa
A philanthropist and chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Bayelsa State, Arch. Reuben Okoya has called for a new approach in addressing Niger Delta issues.
Okoya made the call in Yenagoa on Thursday while fielding questions from journalists at the Ijaw House during the wreath laying ceremony for the late hero, Major Isaac Jasper Adaka Boro.
He stressed the need for the Izon people to support and educate themselves and employ different means of fighting the battle through intellectualism, communication and getting other people to understand their plight.
“I think a new approach is now in order… support Izon people, educate themselves in fighting this battle in different ways, intellectually with their brains,” he stated.
A contender for the governorship ticket of the PDP, Okoya said it is necessary to educate other people on what the Izon people need, with reasons and rationale, in order to get what they need.
Commending Boro for his sacrifice, Okoya noted that though, sometimes, people resort to armed struggle, it is more important and more effective to fight with the brain using the tool of communication.
He stated: “Nowadays, sometimes, you may have armed struggle, but it is more important and more effective that we fight with our brains intellectually to make sure that we educate outsiders on what we need with reasons and rationale.”
According to him, though the Niger Delta region produces crude oil, the people do not get as much as they ought to and there is need to convince other ethnic groups that they should get more through dialogue, education and being their brother’s keeper.
Okoya therefore implored the youths to get education, stay out of drugs and shun violence and militancy as it would lead them nowhere, and also communicate with others across the divide for the region to get what it deserves.
“Today, the Niger Delta with its oil, but we do not get as much as we should get. We should convince our fellow brothers and sisters that we should be getting more through dialogue, through talk, through education and through being our brother’s keeper,” he stated.
