Gov Dickson Describes The Death Of Oronto Douglas As A Rude Shock, A Monumental Loss To The Govt And People Of Bayelsa State;

…. SAYS HE WAS A RARE GEM, DOGGED, VISIONARY AND FRONT LINE CAMPAIGNER FOR THE RESTORATION OF THE ABUSED ENVIRONMENT OF THE NIGER DELTA

Bayelsa State Governor, Hon. Henry 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, Barrister Oronto Natei Douglas, 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 Barrister Douglas, Governor Dickson expressed sadness and total 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, Barrister 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, 9^th of April, 2015.

Daniel Iworiso-Markson                    

Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Bayelsa State