Yenagoa, May 16, 2025 — The Acting Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Bayelsa State, Barr. Alabh George Turnah, MON, has joined millions across the Niger Delta and beyond in commemorating the 57th Boro Day, paying glowing tribute to the legendary Major Isaac Jasper Adaka Boro and calling for his immortalization as a national hero.
In a statement released through his Media Assistant, Kelvin Loveday-Egbo, Barr. Turnah described Boro as “a true patriot, a symbol of justice, and a torchbearer of the Ijaw struggle for dignity, equity, and resource control.”
Reflecting on Boro’s bold 1966 declaration of the Niger Delta Republic, Turnah said the late activist’s sacrifice ignited a consciousness that led to the eventual creation of Rivers and Bayelsa States and repositioned the Ijaw identity within Nigeria’s political framework.
“Boro’s fearless voice was not merely an act of rebellion, but a revolutionary call for justice and inclusion. His legacy still resonates and must be preserved.”
He urged the Federal Government to officially recognize and immortalize Boro by naming national institutions or monuments in his honour, describing such a move as long overdue.
Turnah also used the occasion to acknowledge the contributions of other Ijaw trailblazers such as Harold Dappa Biriye, Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, and Distinguished Senator Sekibo, who he said have continued to uphold the vision of Boro across decades.
He further commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief (Dr.) Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, for demonstrating inclusive leadership by appointing Ijaw sons and daughters into key national positions.
Turning his attention to regional leadership, Turnah challenged governors of the Niger Delta states to invest heavily in preserving Boro’s legacy through educational initiatives, cultural revival, and people-driven development programs.
“Let us not only honour Boro in words but uphold his ideals in practice, by building a just Nigeria where every citizen enjoys dignity, rights, and opportunity.”
As activities marking the 57th Boro Day unfold across Ijaw communities, Barr. Turnah’s message reaffirms the enduring relevance of Boro’s legacy in shaping the quest for justice, equity, and true federalism in Nigeria.
The statement reads in parts: “Boro’s fearless 1966 declaration of the Niger Delta Republic awakened a movement for self-determination, justice, and resource control that still resonates. His sacrifice paved the way for the creation of Rivers and Bayelsa States and advanced the recognition of Ijaw identity in Nigeria’s political space.
“On this remarkable celebration, Barr. Turnah calls on all Ijaw people to emulate Boro’s courage, integrity, and commitment to justice. It will be a significant milestone for the Federal Government to officially recognize Boro as a national hero and immortalize him through the naming of institutions and national monuments.
“Let me cease this remarkable occasion to appreciate Ijaw icons like Harold Dappa Biriye, Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, and Distinguished Senator Sekibo for sustaining Boro’s vision. Very specially, I want to appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and FCT Minister, Chief (Dr.) Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, for facilitating and appointing sons and daughters of the Ijaw nation into key positions of trust.
“As Boro’s unyielding voice continues to resonate across boundaries, I challenge Niger Delta Governors to preserve Boro’s legacy through education, cultural revival, and inclusive development initiatives.
“On this Boro Day, let us renew our resolve to build a just Nigeria where every citizen enjoys dignity, rights, and opportunity.”
