INAA
PRESIDENT’S OPENING REMARKS
Good afternoon and welcome
to another family gathering and
reunion. I must emphasize the concept of family because the Ijaw family
of
which you are a part is the reason why you have made personal sacrifice
to
attend. Unfortunately, I cannot mention names of all the guests amongst
us
today who have attended every “Boro Day” since INAA shifted
venue of the event from
Nigeria to
here in the United
States.
We thank you for your dedication and petriotism. We also thank those
who are
attending the event for the first time. Special thanks to Chief Edwin K. Clark, Patron of INAA, who is represented
by his wife, Mrs. Clark, His Royal Majesty, King Alfred Diete-Spiff,
the
Amayanabo of Twon, Brass and His Royal Highness Charles
Ayemi-Botu, the Paramount Ruler of
Seimbiri Clan . Like many others here today who have come to lend
support, you
have unquestionably demonstrated your faith in our efforts by attending
the
“Boro Day” event, not once, not twice.
Your presence again this year serves as an inspiration for
INAA to
persevere, work hard and sustain the platform it has built for Ijaw
dialogue
here in the Americas.
We also thank and welcome the Ijaw
National Congress President, Dr. A. W.
Obianime,
and the other delegates from this great Ijaw Umbrella Organization and
also Dr.
Chris Ekiyor, IYC President and other IYC delegates to this historic summit.
There
are also Official representatives of various Ijaw Ethnic Organizations
who are
here today. We acknowledge your presence and grateful for you for your
support.
Thank you very much. This is the hand of fellowship and cooperation
INAA has
always extended over the years to Ijaws here in the United States and at home in Nigeria so we could partner and
work together for the common good of our people back home and
elsewhere. On
behalf of INAA, I would also like to welcome our keynote Speaker, Dr.
Boladei
Igali, Nigeria’s
Ambassador
to Sweden,
for graciously accepting our invitation to deliver the keynote address
today. And
finally, INAA extends sincere gratitude to Vice President, Dr. Goodluck
Jonathan, who is being represented by Mr. Braye Ekiye from Nigeria.
So,
you can see why I started with the “family” metaphor.
Unfortunately, today’s
event is at a time when things are inauspicious in our Region in Nigeria
.
The Ijaw National Alliance
of the Americas
unequivocally condemns the act of genocide that the Nigeria
government is currently
carrying out against the Ijaws in the Niger Delta. The Nigerian
government
should be severely rebuked and ostracized by the International
Community for
the routine carnage of defenseless Ijaws in various communities since
1999. The
Organization specifically calls on the United
States government and governments throughout the
world
which cherish justice and civility to impose sanctions against Nigeria
for the
premeditated killings of innocent civilians time and time again in the
Ijaw
communities. The problems in the Niger Delta can never be solved with
bombs,
bullets and bayonets. Only dialogue and a sincere commitment to execute
resolutions from these dialogues can bring lasting peace to Nigeria and development in the Niger
Delta
Region.Our prayers go out to our brothers and sisters at
Gbaramatu
Kingdom and
the
neighboring villages who have been victims of the callous and criminal
attacks.
Were
Isaac Adaka Boro
alive today, he would consider today’s gathering noble and
opportune for us to
put our heads together to plan and strategize. To react by abandoning
what we
traditionally do on a day like this smacks of defeat. The
Ijaw is not, and will never be defeated! Therefore, Boro would
rather advise that we be proactive by doing what we traditionally do to
uphold
the integrity of our culture with grace, finesse, more tact and
sophistication.
So the sessions, workshops and presentations are planned to embody
these
elements. Let us therefore, take advantage of the opportunity this 13th.
“Boro Day” summit provides.
I thank you again for
coming.
Long live the Ijaw Nation. Long live the Federal Republic
of Nigeria.
Mr. Dawari Longjohn, INAA
President
Sheraton Newark
Airport Hotel
Newark, New
Jersey
Saturday, May 30,
2009
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