Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has urged African leaders to stop blaming their woes on the colonial era but rather make deliberate efforts to develop their countries.
Governor Diri represented by his deputy governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, spoke on Tuesday at the double launch of the books titled, The African Voice and Once A Soldier, at the Chief DSP Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall in Yenagoa.
The two books were authored by the Chairman of the State Traditional Rulers Council and Ibenanaowei of Ekpetiama Kingdom, King Bubaraye Dakolo.
Senator Diri noted that institutions, such as PABOD Breweries, textile industries, paper mills in Delta and Akwa lbom states, crude oil discovery, Cocoa House were established prior to the colonial era and wondered why they had become comatose.
The governor, who stressed the need to do away with policies that create barriers to regional integration and economic development, advised that such policies should be jettisoned to allow for more integration to fast-track development in the continent.
Diri, however, lauded African leaders for taking steps to establish the African Continental Free Trade Area, which promotes intra-African trade thereby deepening integration.
He said: “The problem is with us and not colonialism. I don’t believe our predicament is still about the colonial masters. After all, it was not only Africa that was colonized. China, India and America were also colonised so why the perpetual cry about colonialism?
“There was colonialism before we had the Cocoa House, oil boom, PABOD Breweries, textile industry in Kaduna, paper mills in Sapele, Delta State and Oku Iboku in Akwa Ibom State. What has happened to those assets?
“I think it is time for us to take a step back and move forward and take right decisions. Look at Nigeria today, we are still talking about state of origin. These are deliberate blocks erected to stifle our progress and integration.
“I believe that the African Continental Free Trade Agreement instituted by African leaders is one best way to trigger development in our own continent.”
While congratulating King Dakolo for his literary feat in producing books within a space of 2 years, Senator Diri said the Monarch braced all odds to achieve his goals in life.
He, therefore, urged the youths to emulate the shinning example of the King and stop seeking justice through violence and criminal means.
