Stakeholders from the Kalabari Kingdom convened in Abalama Town, Asari-Toro Local Government Area of Rivers State, on Saturday, 15th March for a thanksgiving service and grand civic reception in honour of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and former Governor of Rivers State, Barr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike.
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, Chairman of the occasion, Chief Ferdinand Alabraba, who is also the Chairman, Elders Council of Rivers State, emphasized the unprecedented honor bestowed upon 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.
Director General, Border Community Development Agency, Chief George Kelly, while also speaking at the event, 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.
In a Press release by the Director Press, Anthony Ogunleye Office of the FCT Minister said 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.
According to the Minister, “What you have done today is to tell the world that all the noise in the radio is not the real thing. You are the Kalabaris, you are of the Ijaw nation and you are receiving me today. God will continue to bless you. I will continue to stand by you. I will continue to support you wherever you want me to support you”.
Reaffirming his unwavering support for the Ijaw nation, Barr Wike stated that his endorsement of the current Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, stemmed from genuine love for the Ijaw people. “Let me say it clearly, what I said on 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. That’s what I said”.
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.
Barr. Wike criticized the Governor’s decision to surround himself with individuals who had previously opposed his candidacy, alleging that they were providing detrimental advice. He also condemned the seizure of allowances for State Assembly members, which he deemed unjust.
“All these things you are seeing, I told the Governor, God gave you something, eat it peacefully. It is not good for you to face this crisis. But they told him you are governor. You have money. Money is not everything. All these people, they have nothing to offer. See where we are now. How far?
Regarding calls for peace, Barr. Wike restated that he will not interfere with the duties of the State Assembly. He expressed disappointment with the Governor repeated reneging on agreements, including those brokered by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and asserted that the Governor’s actions demonstrated a lack of reliability.
He said, “I’m not going to stop the State Assembly members from performing their constitutional duties. The Assembly should be allowed to perform their constitutional duties. People who love peace don’t threaten people. The more you threaten, the more you worsen the situation. Assembly people should do their work. Whatever they deem necessary that is constitutional, they should do”.
Continuing, the Minister stated, “Mr. President invited all of us for peace. After that day, we the leaders sat. We told the Assembly to drop that impeachment notice, since Mr. President has intervened for peace. Instead of them to do their own part, they instigated so many court actions, using it as excuse”.
“When the President intervened, they went to court challenging Mr. President that he assumed power that is not constitutional. You that went to court that the President has no power to settle, now you are running back to the same President. You must be consistent with your action” Barr. Wike stressed.
The Minister reiterated his dedication and support for the Ijaw nation, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and rewarding those who have contributed to the community.
He said, “Our efforts, our sweat, we cannot be pushed out. All of you suffered and somebody will just come, because they gave him power overnight and say get out. …Anybody who remembers you in the rainy season, he will also remember you in the dry season. Assuming that Mr. President did not give us this position we occupy and we were hoping that we had a Governor that will take care of our people, what would have happened today to us?”
He 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 his political associates including Senator Philip Aduda, former minority Whip in the 9th Assembly and former Deputy Speaker in the House of Representatives Rt Hon Chibudom Nwuched, Senator Mao Ohuanbuwa amongst others.
