10th April, 2015
Okafor Ofiebor/Port Harcourt
Bayelsa State Governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson has described the death of foremost environmental rights activist, human rights attorney and Senior Special Assistant to President Goodluck Jonathan on Research and Documentation, Oronto Natei Douglas, a lawyer, as a rude shock and monumental loss to the Government and people of the state, the Niger Delta and the Nation at large.
Reacting to the news of the sudden passage of Douglas, Governor Dickson expressed sadness and dismay over the incident, noting that, Bayelsa state and the Niger Delta have lost a rare gem, a dogged and visionary fighter and a front line campaigner for the socio–economic and political advancement of the minority people of Nigeria’s oil and gas rich Niger Delta region.
According to him, the late environmental and human rights activist was a dedicated, devoted and committed campaigner for a better and more sustainable deal for the long neglected oil producing communities of the region as well as the protection of the environment, which had suffered immeasurable abuse, unprecedented degradation and neglect from the multinational oil giants operating in the region and successive governments.
Describing him as one of the most promising and forthright Bayelsans and patriots of the present era, he noted that, Oronto Douglas will be greatly missed by the present and future generation of Bayelsans and the Ijaw nation, stressing that, he provided sound and articulate arguments for improved living standard for the people of the Niger Delta, especially, from the proceeds of the crude oil from their land.
While praying for the repose of his soul, Governor Dickson also conveyed his heartfelt condolence to his immediate family, the presidency, which he passionately and diligently served until his demise on the Thursday, 9th of April, 2015.