* bags Ernest Ikoli Media award as Niger Delta Activist
By Cletus Opukeme, Yenagoa
A renowned female Niger Delta human right activist, Annkio Briggs has attributed Ijaw infrastructure decay to the poor political representation of Ijaw politicians, especially at both red and green chambers lawmaking houses. She said no lawmaker sponsored any meaningful bill for Ijaw development and that speaks volume of the poor state of all the Ijaw riverine communities across Niger Delta region.
Ankio made the declaration during the maiden Ijaw Publishers Forum public lecture media conference held Alamieyeseigha Banquet Hall, Government House, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
According to the Ijaw Amazon, Ijaw people are the hindrance behind Ijaw development as the political leaders are busy pursuing personal and selfish agenda, dumping the overall development of the Ijaws.
She stated ” 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 urged Ijaw political leaders to deliberately ensure 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.
