Former Niger Delta militant leader, General Endurance Amagbein, has joined other eminent personalities to congratulate the government and people of Nigeria on the nation’s 66th Independence Anniversary and the 30th anniversary of the creation of Bayelsa State.
Amagbein, in an October 1 message issued to newsmen in Abuja, lauded President Bola Tinubu and his team for sustaining the vision of the founding fathers of the nation and stressed the need for continuity in 2027.
The ex-agitator, fondly called Adaka Boro the Second, also called on Nigerians to strengthen national unity and cohesion as the country marks its 66th Independence Anniversary and gradually approaches the 2027 general elections.
He said despite the challenges, the two milestones provided an opportunity for Nigerians and Bayelsans to reflect on the sacrifices of the country’s founding fathers and the responsibilities of the present generation.
He stated that although Nigeria has passed through military rule, civil conflict, political transitions, economic challenges and security concerns since independence, there is need for citizens to continue to demonstrate resilience in order to reach the promised land.
He maintained that the policies and programmes of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu since he assumed office in May 2023 have brought a thriving economy which is benefiting both Nigerians and foreigners.
Amagbein said despite fears expressed by some Nigerians that foreigners would take over the market and entire economy, the truth remains that this is happening because President Bola Tinubu has created a sustainable economy conducive for businesses to thrive.
The ex-agitator said he had received uncountable criticism both on social media and offline for supporting the administration of President Bola Tinubu, but maintained that he was still happy supporting the Renewed Hope Agenda because, despite the criticisms, nobody had beaten Tinubu’s record.
He said when Tinubu hands over power in 2031, his successor would have to work ten times harder to match the achievements of the current administration in virtually all sectors.
Amagbein also expressed gratitude to the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, and all the service chiefs for the gains recorded in the fight against terrorism, banditry and other forms of violent crimes in the country.
He said a few months ago, Nigerians were worried because of the activities of some bloodthirsty elements sponsored by the opposition to turn Nigeria upside down with kidnappings, especially the abduction of schoolchildren, but with the help of the security agencies under the current leadership, the nation’s dignity had been restored and criminals no longer had any place to hide.
He said the feat could not have been possible if the service chiefs had not been proactive, adding that the morale of officers and men of the various security agencies had been boosted more than ever.
According to him, the government had paid more attention to the plight of the military and invested in the welfare of officers more than any government.
Amagbein said elections were fast approaching and politicians would promise heaven and earth just to be voted into power, but maintained that President Bola Tinubu remained Nigeria’s hope for a better tomorrow.
On the 30th anniversary of Bayelsa State, Amagbein stressed the need for more developmental projects to be sited in the state.
He said as the headquarters of the Ijaw nation, Bayelsa’s progress was tied to the unity of stakeholders across board.
Amagbein expressed his gratitude to His Excellency, Senator Douye Diri, for sustaining peace in Bayelsa State, stating his selfless contributions to the re-election of the governor in the 2023 election, a decision he said he never regretted.
Amagbein reiterated that Senator Douye Diri had made significant impact in the infrastructural development of Bayelsa State, adding, ‘The devil you know is better than the Angel you are yet to meet.’
Amagbein said in other ethnic nationalities, despite their political inclinations, they still found a common ground to unite and push for the development of their states.
He cited the recently concluded Osun State governorship election, where the people were forging ahead after a tough political battle.
He said communities in Bayelsa State and other parts of Ijaw land were still in ruins and yet to recover from the negative effects of elections held many years ago.
He said there was need for the Ijaw nation to realise that election was never winner-takes-all or about killing or silencing dissenting voices, but about the unity and development of the land and people of the state.
Amagbein said in no distant time, Bayelsa would be heading into another governorship election and that there was need for election-related issues to be resolved peacefully immediately after every poll, adding that it was the only way to guarantee the peace and development of the state.