Prepared By Ebi Robert
The
name, Isaac Jasper Adaka Boro is a household name in the Niger Delta Region,
particularly Bayelsa State. This is because “Boro” as he is fondly called, is
the first person in Nigeria to start a separatist movement. That is to say that
before the declaration of the Republic of Biafra, Boro had earlier declared the
Niger Delta Peoples Republic.
The declaration of succession was done on the 23
February, 1966, which led to a battle against the Nigerian State that lasted
for 12 days, also known as the 12 days Revolution. While many are quite
familiar with this fact, only a few know what the instrument known as “The
Niger Delta Peoples Republic Declaration of Independence” actually looks
like.
Below is the Declaration of Independence:
“THE NIGER DELTA PEOPLES REPUBLIC DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE”
1. TERRITORIAL BOUNDARIES.
a. The
land and river limits of Elemebiri on the Niger, downstream, to Gbekebo and
Forcados inclusive.
b. The
land and river limits from the River Nun downstream, to its Deltaic areas with
Akassa, Brass, Degema, Abonnema, Bonny, and Okirika inclusive.
c. The
land and river limits stretching extensively up to Imbiama, Joinkrama, Okaki,
Orashi river and the land limits of Buseni inclusive.
d. The
territorial waters of the Niger Delta Area extending into the Atlantic.
2. STATE
OF EMERGENCY:
Following the declaration of
Independence for the Niger Delta People a State of Emergency is hereby declared
in the territory to give adequate protection to the Niger Delta People against
aggressors.
a. All
former agreements as regards the crude oil of the people undertaken by the now
defunct Nigerian Government in the territory have been declared invalid.
b. All
oil companies are hereby commanded in their own interests to stop explorations
and renew agreements with the new Republic. Defiance of this order will result
in dislocation of the Company’s Exploration and Forfeiture of their right of
renewal of such agreements.
c. Aliens:
All Aliens are asked to report within 24 hours to the nearest D.V.S agent to
ensure their protection. An Alien is one who is not by original birth, of the
Niger Delta People Republic.
d. Elementary and
Secondary Grammar Schools: All schools are
hereby closed until September to enable the new Republic advance a thorough and
totally free Educational system for the people.
e. All
former District and County Councils, Courts and revenue collecting organs are
hereby declared closed and the territory shall be tax free until fully
industrialised.
f. Law Enforcement:
The Niger Delta Volunteer Service, hence forth and hitherto referred to as
D.V.S shall be the law enforcing body and the standing armed force of the
people. All citizens of our new republic are hereby asked to surrender all arms
in their possession to the nearest D.V.S agent.
3. Provisional Senate: There shall be a provisional senate consisting of 84 members, six from each of the 14 clans. The Provisional Senate shall advice the Liberation Government on a new constitution for the People. Adequate protection will be given to all members by the D.V.S.”
“NIGER DELTA PEOPLE REPUBLIC STATE OF EMERGENCY
DVS
OPERATIONS ON INTERNAL SECURITY
1. No
River or Creek Crafts are allowed to ply any of the Waterways of the Republic
till further notice.
2. All
canoes should be cleared from the waterways as from 11a.m to 7a.am until
further notice.
3. Dusk
to dawn Curfew is hereby imposed on all towns until further notice.
4. The
Imbiama, Joinkarams, Okaki line, the NIGER/NUN Estuaries at Kanani and Gbekebo,
Forcados, Akassa, Brass, Abonnema, Okirika and Patani are hereby declared
Aggression Republican Centres (ARC). Please keep clear of D.V.S Operations.
5. Any
Crafts or Canoes defying D.V.S orders should bear full responsibility for their
action as the D.V.S frogmen will torpedo any boat obstructing the survival of
the Republic.
6. Mutilation and/or Removal of Government Notices and Posters: Anyone found or suspected of removing or mutilation of Government Notices or posters is liable to a punishment of Death.
MAY GOD KEEP OUR HARD WON INDEPENDENCE AMEN
(Sgd.) ADAKA BORO
Prepared by Ebi Robert (The Lord of Ink)
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