By DEBORAH COKER

The Ijaw National Congress (INC) worldwide on Tuesday mourned renowned activist Ebiserikumo Gbassa, describing his death as a huge blow to the Ijaw nation.

This is contained in statement on Tuesday by Chief Ezonebi Oyakemeagbegha, National Publicity Secretary of the INC in Abuja.

According to Oyakemeagbegha, Gbassa a firebrand activist known across the Nigerian Delta and beyond died on June 6 at the age of 68.

The INC it received the news of the passing of the activist with great sadness.

“Gbassa was a renowned activist and passionate advocate for the Ijaw cause. As a crusader for justice and equity, he championed good governance and believed in the total emancipation of all citizens.

“Gbassa will be remembered for his pivotal roles in forming the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) and the Movement For The Survival of The Izon Ethnic Nationality (MOSIEND).

“His fearlessness and determination during the OPC-Ijaw crisis in Ajegunle, Lagos State will not be quickly forgotten.”

The INC national publicity secretary also said that Gbassa when alive was a persistent critic of successive governments in Bayelsa and an advocate for good governance, human rights, and justice for the oppressed.

“He also played critical roles in several historical struggles including being one of the Ijaw Youths who confronted and resisted the Odua Peoples Congress (OPC) during the violent ethnic clashes in Ajegunle in the early 2000.

“His involvement in that resistance earned him an enduring nickname, The Great Messenger”

“The late Gbassa was also a founding member of two of Ijaw’s most influential organisations; the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) and the MOSIEND.

“These platforms have been instrumental in shaping the Ijaw struggle for self-determination, environmental justice and inclusion in Nigeria’s Federal structure,” Oyakemeagbegha added. (NAN)