By: Abba Onyekachukwu, Abuja.
Kalabari Kingdom gathered in Abalama, Asari-Toro Local Government Area, Rivers State, on Saturday for a thanksgiving service and reception in honor of Barr Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister and former Governor of Rivers State, according to a press statement from the Director of Press, Office of the Minister, Anthony Ogunleye on Saturday.
Organized by Ijaw stakeholders under the aegis of the New Associates, the event celebrated Barrister Wike’s significant contributions to the region. The ceremony featured vibrant cultural displays, including traditional dances and performances by women and youths showcasing the community’s appreciation for his legacy.
In his address at the event, the Chairman of the occasion, Chief Ferdinand Alabraba, who is also the Chairman of the Elders Council of Rivers State, emphasized the unprecedented honor bestowed upon the FCT Minister by the Kalabari nation over the past three years. He highlighted the selection of Abalama Town as the venue for the reception, citing its profound significance to the Kalabari people.
Chief Alabraba thanked the FCT Minister for his commitment to inclusivity and the rule of law and for ensuring a sense of belonging for all ethnic groups in Rivers State and pledged the continued support of the Kalabari nation for the FCT Minister.
Similarly speaking, the Director General of the Border Community Development Agency, Chief George Kelly, commended Barrister Wike for his contributions to the development of the Ijaw nation and the Kalabari community. He specifically acknowledged the Minister’s role in facilitating the historic election of an Ijaw son as Governor of Rivers State.
Responding, the Minister acknowledged the significance of the reception and expressed his profound gratitude to the Kalabari nation for their capacity and support. He said their show of solidarity has dispelled any notion of ethnic or tribal division within the state.
Reaffirming his unwavering support for the Ijaw nation, Barr Wike stated that his endorsement of the current Governor Siminalayi Fubara of the state, stemmed from genuine love for the Ijaw people. “Let me say it clearly: what I said in my interview, people will want to misinterpret it. Whatever they want to misinterpret is their business. I want to repeat it; we are all working together. If we don’t work together, it would have been difficult to produce a governor,” Wike stated.
Addressing the current political situation in Rivers State, Barr. Wike attributed the conflict to personal interests and the governor’s alliances with those who had previously opposed his election. He recalled his initial agreement with the governor to foster unity and progress but expressed regret over the subsequent breakdown of trust and the adoption of policies that deviated from their shared vision.
While criticizing the governor’s decision to surround himself with those who had previously opposed his candidacy and alleging that they were providing detrimental advice, he condemned the seizure of allowances for State Assembly members, which he deemed unjust.
On calls for peace, Wike restated that he will not interfere with the duties of the State Assembly, even as he expressed disappointment with the governor’s repeated reneging on agreements, including those brokered by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and asserted that the governor’s actions demonstrated a lack of reliability.
Reiterating his dedication and support for the Ijaw nation and emphasizing the importance of recognizing and rewarding those who have contributed to the community, Minister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike called on the people to remain law-abiding and disregard attempts by mischief makers to cause ethnic division in the State.
The Minister was accompanied by Senator Philip Aduda, former minority Whip in the 9th Assembly and former Deputy Speaker in the House of Representatives, Rt Hon Chibudom Nwuche, Senator Mao Ohuanbuwa, amongst others.
1. FCT Minister Barrister Nyesom Wike (left) in a handshake with Hon. Ojukaye Flag Amachree, DG, Energy Security, ONSA, during the grand reception in honor of the Minister in Kalabari on Saturday
2. FCT Minister Barrister Nyesom Wike (middle) addressing the mammoth crowd at the grand reception held in his honor in Kalabari, Rivers State, on Saturday.
