TODAY IN HISTORY: BORO DECLARES NIGER DELTA REPUBLIC

Today in history means a lot to the people of the Niger Delta, it was a supposed day for what they termed as "Freedom".

Today in history was the day Late Major Isaac Jasper Adaka Boro declared the first Republic within Nigeria called the "Niger Delta Republic" which lasted for 12 days. It was an attempt to liberate the Niger Delta people from the socio-economic oppression by the then eastern regional government.

On this day February 23 1966, shortly after the first Military coup. Late Boro in his words said:

"Today is a great day, not only in your lives, but also in the history of the Niger Delta. Perhaps, it will be the greatest day for a very long time. This is not because we are going to bring the heavens down, but because we are going to demonstrate to the world what and how we feel about oppression. Remember your 70-year-old grandmother who still farms before she eats; remember also your poverty-stricken people; remember, too, your petroleum which is being pumped out daily from your veins; and then fight for your freedom."

He was An undergraduate student of chemistry and student union president at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, he left school to lead an armed protest against the exploitation of oil and gas resources in the Niger Delta areas which benefitted mainly the federal government of Nigeria and Eastern region with capital in Enugu and nothing was given to his Ijaw people.

He believed that the people of the area deserved a fairer share of proceeds of the oil wealth. He formed the "Ijaw Volunteer Force", an armed militia with members consisting mainly of his fellow Ijaw ethnic group.

They declared the Niger Delta Republic on this day February 23, 1966 and gallantly battled the Federal forces for twelve days.

Late Major Isaac Jasper Boro was born to a Kaiama family in present day Bayelsa State of Nigeria, in 1938 and died in mysterious circumstances on May 16, 1968 while fighting to unite Nigeria.

On the twelve day of his Revolution his team was crushed, he was arrested and
was jailed by the Late Maj. Gen. Aguiyi-Ironsi government, waiting to be executed before the Civil war broke out.

Written by: Bodmas P. Kemepadei

Referrences: "Wikipedia", "12 Day Revolution".

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