Rivers
Kattey Tasks Politicians On Welfare Of Citizenry
L-R: Rivers State Commissioner for Housing, Hon Emma Okah, Commissioner for Works, Hon Bethuel Iheanyi Chuchukwu Harrison and Commissioner for Information and Communications, Dr Austin Tam-George, during the commissioning of Rumuokwurusi, Eneka, Igwuruta Road, yesterday. Photo: Egberi A. Sampson.
The Archbishop , Province
of Niger Delta, and Bishop, Diocese of Niger Delta North, the Most Rev. Ignatius C. O. Kattey has called upon political leaders to promote issues that are of benefit to the average citizen.
In his presidential address/Archbishop’s charge delivered at the third session of the Seventh Synod of the Diocese of Niger Delta North with the theme: The Second Coming of Jesus Christ (Rev. 22:12) at St. Silas’s (Anglican) Church, Eneka Deanery, Port Harcourt, Kattey, who was the Dean, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), deplored the degenerating security situation in the country in general and Rivers State in particular, which he attributed to the political game playing out in the country.
“How can people who claim they have the interest of the masses at heart, be the ones through whom the lives of the people was endangered? The game of politics should not be played at the detriment of the people for whom it is meant to benefit. Enough is enough”, he advised.
Kattey said “it is very necessary at this point in the history of Rivers State to advise Christian leaders in politics whether in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at the state level and All Progressives Congress (APC) at the Federal level to demonstrate Christian leadership qualities of service, humility and integrity to the glory of God.
Quoting from Ecclesiastes chapter three, verse one, that “to everything, there is a season and time”, and a popular axiom: “there is no permanent enemy in politics but permanent interest”, Kattey asked: “in this season of “change”, what should be the permanent interest of the average Rivers politician?
He said “time was in the politics of Rivers State, when the present Governor of the State, Chief Nyesom Wike was the minister of State for Education while the present Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi was the executive governor of Rivers State and reiterated the need for them to place the permanent interest of the average Rivers man at the front burner.
Kattey expressed appreciation to the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike for his projects and development blue print code-named New Rivers Vision, which he said, has impacted positively on the people of the state.
Some of the projects, according to the religious leader, include road construction, the judiciary, health, education and workers’ welfare.
The Dean. Emeritus, who also congratulated the South-South Governors of Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta and Rivers States on their electoral victories, appealed to them not to lose sight of the peculiar challenges confronting the zone and revolve to address them.
The Archbishop, who emphasised the fact that the Second Coming of Jesus Christ is imminent, urged all to be prepared and live rapturable livers.
The Eze Oha Evo III of Evo Kingdom, Nyerisi Eli Woji (Eze Woji XII), His Majesty, King Prof. Leslie Nyebuchi Eke, Eze Gbakagbaka, has called on communication professionals to rise above routine narratives and become vanguards in rebuilding public trust in the face of Nigeria’s challenging economic realities.
The revered monarch made the charge while delivering the Chairman’s Opening Remarks at the 2025 Annual Conference of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Rivers State Chapter, held in Port Harcourt, with the theme: “Refocusing Stakeholders’ Engagement and Public Trust in a Challenging Economy.”
The event, which drew leading figures in public communication, governance, and industry, witnessed presentations, keynote addresses and robust deliberations aimed at repositioning the PR profession to respond to national realities with innovation and integrity.
In his remarks, HM Eke commended the Rivers State Chapter of NIPR, led by Rev. Francis Asuk, for what he called its unwavering commitment to professionalism, knowledge-sharing, and continuous dialogue on issues affecting the nation’s social and institutional fabric.
He noted that the theme of the conference could not have been more appropriate, considering the current national climate where public confidence in institutions is at an all-time low, and economic uncertainties have strained relationships between stakeholders and the state.
“We are living in a season when trust has become a scarce commodity. Citizens are asking tough questions, and institutions are struggling to maintain credibility. In such a time, the role of the Public Relations professional becomes even more crucial”, he said.
The Eze Gbakagbaka, who is the Chairman, Supreme Forum of Ikwerre Government Recognized Traditional Rulers, noted that Public Relations practitioners must understand their strategic role as mediators between the people and the truth, adding that the tools of their trade: honest communication, transparency, and empathy, must be wielded with renewed purpose and patriotism.
“You are the bridge between the people and the truth; between perception and reality. Your work determines whether society believes, doubts, or hopes again. Let this conference remind us that trust is not demanded, it is earned”, he urged.
He emphasized that the restoration of trust in both public and private sectors requires consistent, deliberate, and sincere stakeholder engagement.
According to him, when communication is driven by integrity, not propaganda, society will gradually find its voice and confidence once again.
“With transparent communication and genuine engagement, even in a difficult economy, confidence can be restored”, the monarch said, urging the delegates to see themselves not just as professionals, but as nation-builders with a moral obligation to influence public perception positively.
The Evo apex King, who is also a Fellow of the Institute, called on participants to approach the discussions with open minds and patriotic intent, stressing that every contribution must be geared towards rebuilding national cohesion and institutional trust.
“With a deep sense of honour and responsibility”, he declared, “I, His Majesty, King Leslie Nyebuchi Eke, JP, Eze Gbakagbaka, Eze Oha Evo III of Evo Kingdom, Nyerisi Eli Woji (Eze Woji XII) and Chairman, Supreme Forum of Ikwerre Government Recognized Traditional Rulers, formally declare open the 2025 Annual Conference of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Rivers State Chapter to the glory of God and for the good of our society.”
At a post conference courtesy call at the instance of the Eze Gbakagbaka, the President of the Association, Dr. Ike Neliaku, described the Kung as an astute Fellow who is determined to add colour to the Institute regardless of any odds.
Also, the Council Member, Pastor Palunius Nsirim, who corroborated the President’s position, noted that His Majesty’s recognition was something valid given his contributions to the growth of the association.
“We value your presence with us. We will continue to benefit from your wise counsel. We won’t take your support for granted”, he said.
Climax of the visit was the decoration of Dr. Neliaku by the Evo apex King as a Honorary citizen of the Kingdom.
By: King Onunwor