By Tony Nwankwo

The Ijaw Monitoring  Group, IMG, has described the late Special Adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan on Research and Documentation, as a blessing to the Niger Delta.

In a tribute by Comrade Joseph Evah, lamenting the untimely death of the Niger-Delta activist, the Ijaw described him as one of the early prophets of modern Niger Delta struggle, adding that the untimely death of Oronto Natieh Douglas, popularly called OND, had rubbed the Niger Delta of one of its bright stars.

“We are proud that Oronto’s footprints will for ever remain indelible in the Niger Delta, as he was one of the fearless defence lawyers to the late Ken Saro-Wiwa, during the trial that later led to the hanging of the Ogoni leader. He was also the first Niger Delta activist to be hosted by a serving American President Bill Clinton at the White House.  At the occasion, Douglas presented the American President with the Doctrine of the Kaima Declaration.”, the group said.

“Oronto Douglas brought recognition to the Niger Delta when he was named among the 20 most influential writers, thinkers and activists in the world.  A gifted orator, he demonstrated such skills that a few of his contemporaries in the civil society could match.  Douglas authored several books and presented papers in over 300 international conferences in over 50 countries on human rights and the environment”.