Ahead of his 50th  anniversary today, Comrade Joe Evah, National Coordinator of the Ijaw Monitoring Group, IMG, fielded questions from Vanguard on the lessons and lesions of life at 50. Evah, a former journalist, spokesman of the Ijaw National Congress, INC also spoke on other issues of national concern. Excerpts:

By Emmanuel Aziken

What has life taught you at fifty?

God’s goodness and mercy upon my life, when I look back at my background and where I am now, I believe life has taught me to believe destiny that whatever God says is final.

What stirred your consciousness into a life of activism especially on behalf of the Ijaw nation?

Comrade Evah

I was a staff of Vanguard Newspaper during the June 12 struggle. I took leave for the June 12 struggle because I felt if a powerful tribe like the Yoruba could be humiliated by one man (Babangida) it meant that Niger- Deltans were regarded as second class citizens despite the fact that our oil was used to feed this nation and that we cannot make it in this country.

So I left and formed the Non-Indigenes for the Actualization of June 12, mobilizing non- indigenes in the riverine areas in Lagos to join the demonstration across Lagos. We joined others to confront the security agents frustrating the crowd of demonstrators and mobilized our people to attend all rallies. The government of that time tried to turn June 12 to Yoruba struggle but I felt it was a national struggle.

What would you describe as the hallmark of your agitation on behalf of the Ijaws?

My struggle is for the whole Niger Delta. For example I went to court during the military era to stop the dredging of River Niger without Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) through my lawyer Femi Falana.

Environmental anarchy

That struggle against River Niger Delta dredging was meant to save the whole Niger Delta from environmental anarchy.

We are aware of oil pollution and other environmental hazard cause by the oil companies and the struggle against that evil led to the death of Ken Saro-Wiwa and other patriotic Ogonis, so I felt the hanging of Ken will not put fear into me so I challenged the dredging exercise, the whole Niger Delta supported me and the court frustrated the dredging.

That was great and the emergence of Goodluck Jonathan as President in my life time was also a great achievement during our struggle. I thank God I was part of the struggle that Niger Delta need to be recognized and it happened. I am also happy that Niger Delta is now a reference point in world affairs, my consistency in the media has proved that the pen is mightier than the sword.

Do you feel fulfilled in your agitation?

Yes, very fulfilled.

How would you describe the year 2015 for the Ijaw nation?

The Niger Delta region is calm, the former President, our son has done his best, we are proud of him. It is not easy because the manner he climbed the ladder to get to the presidency is a miracle and he performed well under the circumstance he found himself. He is back to the region and the struggle continues.

What is your reaction to the allegations of fraud levelled against officials of the Goodluck Jonathan administration?

We have a new government so the happenings are not strange. It is, however, good that we are not under military rule so all matters in court should follow due process. I was not happy with the manner security agents bundled the former NIMASSA boss into a waiting bus. This was shown live on television. You know I was against the manner the former I.G of Police was treated this way by EFCC officials. For God’s sake the former I.G was your boss! So why giving him that type of treatment?

For God’s sake the NIMASSA Boss was leading one of the leading agencies of government just few months ago and he did not runaway when he left the office so why treating him like a war victim? Nobody is against trial of the former NIMASSA boss but the television show is not necessary.

From your own personal perception of President Jonathan do you think he was incapable as alleged or betrayed?

Goodluck Jonathan was not supposed to be a politician especially in Nigeria. I think he was born a Reverend Father or a priest. He is supposed to be a vicar or monk in the monastery. He is supposed to be a bishop and work in the Lord’s vineyard. He was meant to be a Pastor or General Overseer.

I think Jonathan missed road by joining politics. Politicians after studying him decided to mob him with lies and blackmail to have their way. Unfortunately as president he didn’t want to offend people and wanted to please the world.

However, my leader Jonathan has not read the portion of the bible where Jesus Christ flogged people who were buying and selling in the temple.

Are you comfortable with the new administration’s inclination towards the amnesty programme?

We thank the President for retaining the programme. We thank him for keeping the Ministry of Niger Delta alive also. While we salute the President for appointing a capable hand to handle the amnesty program. We want the President to give financial muscle to the programme, we are not happy with the way the Presidency slashed the budget for the amnesty. The 2016 budget for the amnesty program is not enough and we know that as a listening president, he will adjust the budget and increase the amount allocated to the program.

We are asking the government to create jobs for those that are idle after completing their training.

On a personal note, have you if possible, overcome the personal loses you suffered not too long ago?

It was two years ago I lost my immediate younger brother and my son, it was big blow. That is the reason I am not celebrating my 50th birthday. My younger brother was like having a million brothers around you and he vanished just like that. It is still like a dream.

But if you read the life of other people, you just clap hands and give glory to God. When I read the story of Bishop Mike Okonkwo of TREM how he lost his younger brother a great star in his family just like that and how he lost his daughter on Xmas eve and today Bishop Okonkwo is still doing great things for God, who am I?

What is your outlook as you join the Golden Club?

I thank God and I will continue with my activities for my people. It is their prayers that brought me this far. The struggle continues. Many people believe I am above 50 years. From child hood days I played the role of elder, so people see me always doing things meant for elders. All my people at Ajegunle know how we were wearing pants to roam the canals fishing in the 1970s. It is a privilege to come to this age.

A final word?

I wish to thank all my admirers and followers, their prayers keep me moving. There is no doubt that my struggle has opened doors for me. Anywhere I go, Nigerians appreciate me, especially my Niger Delta people. I also want to thank the media for the support.