Youths and Human Rights Activists in the Niger Delta on Wednesday converged in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State capital to pay tribute to the late environmental activist, Oronto Douglas ahead of his final burial this Weekend.
The youths and the activists also organised a walk, trekking from the Ekeki Motor Park in the heart of the town to Izonwari in honour of the man who they described as a dogged fighter, who fought the war against environmental injustice and dictatorship as well under-development in the Niger delta.
Oronto Dauglas who until his death was the Special Adviser to President Jonathan on Research, Documentation and Strategy, died on the 9th of April in Abuja after dealing with a health challenge for a while.
He was a strong supporter of the President and was said to be instrumental to the strategic actions that led to the enactment of the doctrine of necessity which paved the way for Dr. Jonathan to be transmitted from Vice President to Acting President during the ailing days of late President Yar’adua.
Human Rights Groups present at the rally include, Institute for Human Rights and Humanitarian Law, Centre for Environmental Human Rights and Development, Agape Birth Rights, Federated Niger Delta Ijaw Communities, Ogoni Solidarity Group, Ogbia Study Group among others .
