Chief of Staff, Government House, Port Harcourt, Sir Tony Okocha, (left) sipping a cup of water from a water project commissioned by him and constructed by the State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mrs Ibim Semenitari in Okrika recently. Photo: Chris Monyanaga

In recognition of his people-oriented projects in the past seven years of his administration, Rivers State Governor and Chairman of Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi has been honoured by the people of Emohua Kingdom with a chieftaincy title of “Ugwugwu of Emohua” (the Pride of Emohua).
The governor also received accolades from the people at Rumuchie in Emohua Local Government Area, Rivers State, for his uncommon achievements in infrastructure and manpower development, among others.
In an address presented by Chief Ozaze Obillor and signed by the Paramount Ruler of Emohua, His Royal Majesty, Eze Oha Vincent Benson Okor, at Rumuchie, Emohua at the weekend, the eight communities of Emohua clan comprising, Rumuchie, Mgbu-Itanwo, Odohua, Rumuakunde, Elibrada, Mgbu-Etor, Isiodu and Rumu-Ohia stated that, “Because of the love and regard you have for Emohua, you are here today to visit Emohua. His Excellency, we were in Government House to appreciate you and to congratulate you in being who you are: bold, courageous, firm, decisive and focused on any agenda you are convinced about. You have shown most admirably the characteristic trait of a true son of Emohua, and truly, we are adopting you as a true son of Emohua. Thus, after your native home Ubima, take Emohua as your second home.
“The people of Emohua adore you and appreciate your administration for the landmark achievements brought to Rivers State. The many model schools, the modern road networks, the hospitals, the Greater Port Harcourt City Project shall all speak your name long after you would have left the scene. In all these projects, you remembered Emohua, we celebrate you, we also appreciate you, we pledge our total support and loyalty to your government, Emohua is with you, Emohua is for you,” the people said.
They also appealed to the governor to resurface the 3km-Rumuakunde/Rumuchie road and the Elibrada-Oduoha road, among others.
Responding, Governor Chibuike Amaechi thanked the people for their support, and assured them of the reconstruction of the Rumuakunde/Rumuchie road soon.
Amaechi also used the occasion to pronounce the elevation of the stool of Eze Vincent Benson Okor from third class to first class.
Amaechi said: “In my struggle to become relevant in life and in politics, I have always served my people. If you check in Emohua Local Government Area, there is only one village that is yet to have road. The only road that we have not done because we owe the contractor is Rumuodogo road. The one that is a promise is the 3km Rumuakunde/Rumuchie road. I made that promise, and I will redeem it before election. I will drive on that road before election time because I will come back here to ask for your vote”, he said.
“The next thing I will tell you is that I promised Emohua people that I will recognize His Highness. By Monday, I will make sure that he gets his letter of recognition as a first class chief, and he will move from His Highness to His Majesty”.
“I know for sure that the presence of APC here has dwarfed the presence of PDP. TAN (PDP campaigners) held their rally at Elekahia Stadium, a 16,000-capacity stadium. We shall hold our APC rally at the new 40,000-capacity stadium at Greater Port Harcourt City. I thank you for the honour, and thank you for remaining steadfast in APC. One assurance I will give you is that I will not disappoint you,” the governor told them.
Amaechi explained that, “In the history of Ikwerre, this is about the first time we are important in national politics. We will not sell it for the position of the governor. This is the time when we will be here in Port Harcourt; they will call us on the phone to attend meetings in Abuja. We will not sell it because of one young boy, who for reasons of greed can even sell his parents. We cannot sell the rights of Ikwerre people”.
In his appreciation speech, the Paramount Ruler of Emohua, His Royal Majesty, Eze Oha Vincent Benson Okor expressed gratitude to the governor for his elevation.
According to him, “In the past, Ikwerre sons  tried to become governor but to no avail, but Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi tried and got it by the grace of God. So, we are happy.  His Excellency, the eight villages of Emohua are complete here in their numbers. We will continue to support your administration.
Earlier, member representing Ikwerre/Emohua Constituency in the House of Representatives, Chief Andrew Uchendu, acknowledged Governor Amaechi for showing love by identifying with the people.
Unchendu noted that the governor’s visit was a great honour to Emohua Kingdom, adding, “Your Excellency, personally, I have been conferred with an eternal honour by you. If there is one achievement I will count as being priceless, highly valuable, it is your visit to this kingdom today. Emohua is a collection of eight villages under the able leadership of the Paramount Ruler, Eze Vincent Benson Okor. We have been living in peace all these years; there is no village that is not here today. Even the Oha’s are all here.