Dr. Daniel Iworiso-Markson, former Commissioner for Information and Orientation in Bayelsa State, has posited that the Niger Delta region needs another Chief Melford Okilo.
Okilo, who was the first elected governor of Rivers State, was born on November 30, 1933, in Emakalakala, Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, and died on July 5, 2008, at the age of 74.
In a conversation with newsmen on the sidelines of the 16th memorial anniversary of the late sage in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Iworiso-Markson said Okilo was a man ahead of his time and a mentor to many.
According to him, gathering every year to honor the late senator, who represented Bayelsa East in the National Assembly, is a welcome development.
He however said more needs to be done, especially in terms of concerted efforts toward developing the Niger Delta.
Iworiso-Markson added that Okilo would be happier wherever he is to see the transformation of the Niger Delta, urging leaders of the region to unite for its development.
His words: “Today’s Niger Delta needs leaders like Melford Okilo, especially at a time like this when the region is gasping for fresh air in leadership.
“While it’s highly commendable to gather every year in a talk-shop event to mark the memorial of Chief Okilo, I believe a befitting memorial for the great man would be for leaders in the region to transform the Niger Delta.
“Truth be told, I don’t think Okilo would be proud of what the Niger Delta has become today. This is clearly not the Niger Delta of Okilo’s dream. While it is true that Nigeria has failed the Niger Delta people, perhaps the biggest blow to the region and its people comes from its own leaders.
“Of all the six geopolitical zones that make up the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the South-South region has been the most unfortunate in terms of governance and development.
“Despite the huge petrodollars that have accrued to the Niger Delta region, there have been more moves than movements.
“There is little or no development in the Niger Delta. Our leaders in the region are not doing enough for our people. We cannot continue to blame others for our underdevelopment.”
While charging governments at all levels to provide sustainable development for the people, he noted that the region is blessed with human and material resources that can be used to achieve its rapid growth within a target period.
“The onus is on us and the governments at various levels to develop the Niger Delta.
“At best, our development is in fits and starts, and yet we are quick to roll out the drums to celebrate such. I believe we can do better,” he said.
