Mr Rufus Salvation, leader of the second phase of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, on Tuesday, called on Bayelsa and Federal governments to immortalise Chief Isain Igali for peace building.

Salvation, who bemoaned the demise of Igali, who died at 86, noted that immortalising him with the naming of public institutions and a foundation to promote peace studies will preserve the memory of the monarch for posterity.

The youth leader, who spoke in an interview in Yenagoa on Tuesday, described the late monarch of Ini-Wari community in Southern Ijaw area of Bayelsa as a mentor to the youths.

Salvation described the monarch as a charismatic selfless leader, who sought the good of others at his own expense.

Isan Igali, was an elder brother to Amb. Boladei Godnows-Igali, retired Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Power and had been laid to rest at his country home, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area in Bayelsa.

Salvation noted that the pioneering role played by the community leader in peace building process resulted in the success of the Amnesty programme that returned the hitherto restive region to peace.

He urged other monarchs in the Niger Delta region to emulate the leadership style of the late royal father, who saw every young man that he encounters as a potential leader.

The youth leader recalled that Igali crisscrossed the creeks of Bayelsa and beyond to advocate and preach the message the restive youths who later embraced peace.

“The late traditional ruler was an icon of peace and he propagated peace amongst the youths before we embraced the Amnesty scheme, his death is a very big loss to all of us who looked up to him.

“He was instrumental in building the current peace prevailing in the Niger Delta region which has led to uninterrupted oil production for the economic development of Nigeria.

“Pa Igali was a father to everyone and his integrity was unblemished, he commanded the respect of everyone in the society.

“We shall surely miss him as we pray that God will raise such leaders to continue to work for peace,” Salvation said.

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