The life and times of Isaac Adaka Boro, a key figure in Nigerian history, have been extensively documented in a new book by Professor Mondy S. Gold. The book, titled "Isaac Adaka Boro: The Unfinished Project: The Lion of the Niger Delta Vol 1," delves into Boro's life, from his birth on September 10, 1938, to his assassination on May 18, 1968. The narrative is based on documented sources and human memory, providing a comprehensive account of Boro's activities between August 4, 1967, and May 18, 1968.
The book chronicles Boro's life as a revolutionary, who was described by Professor Gold as "a man of absolutes." The author relies on interviews with notable individuals, including Esther Boro, David Boro, and Omoyele Sowore, to provide insight into Boro's life and motivations. The book also includes forward written by General Yakubu Gowon and Brigadier General Godwin Alabi-Isama, which sheds light on the complex relationships between Boro and the Nigerian military leaders.
The assassination of Boro remains a topic of debate, with many Ijaws believing that he was killed to pave the way for a post-war agenda that would weaken their territories and make their exploitation possible. The book's failure to investigate this aspect of Boro's life has left many readers disappointed.
The assassination of Isaac Adaka Boro remains a dark stain on Nigeria's history, and the new book by Professor Mondy S. Gold only serves to highlight the lack of transparency and accountability in the country's military and political establishment. The claims made by Brigadier General Godwin Alabi-Isama, who claims to be the last person Boro spoke to before his death, are particularly suspicious, given the circumstances of Adekunle's AWOL status on the day of the decisive battle for Port Harcourt. The fact that President Goodluck Jonathan's administration took steps to honor Boro's legacy, including the implementation of the Kaiama Declaration, is a positive step, but more needs to be done to uncover the truth about Boro's assassination and its implications for the Niger Delta region. The book's failure to provide a balanced account of Boro's life and death is a missed opportunity to shed light on the complexities of Nigeria's history and the ongoing struggles of the Niger Delta people.
