Abonnema Stool Won’t Whittle Down Kalabari Monarch -Wike

The Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, says the newly elevated Amanyanabo of Abonnema, Disrael Gbobo Bob-Manuel was not meant to whittle down the position and authority of Amanyanabo of Kalabari, HRM Prof. Theophilus Princewill, but rather to give the Kalabari stronger voice in the state.
Speaking at the thanksgiving service for the elevation of King Bob-Manuel to a first class traditional ruler at St Paul’s(Lutheran) Cathedral in Abonnema yesterday in Akuku-Toru Local Government, Chief Wike assured that nobody will denigrate the stool of Amanyanabo of Kalabari.
He said, “ Two voices are better than one… So I believe this is the time for this stool to be elevated.”
The governor, who recalled that the Kalabari people have been pushing for the stool to be elevated over the years when he was Chief of Staff  said, “ I did not do it. It’s only God that sent me to do it”.
Wike charged the newly elevated Amayanabo of Abonnema to use his new position to improve the wellbeing of his people, stressing that it was an opportunity to serve the people.
While thanking the Kalabari people, especially the Akuku-Toru people for their support to his administration, the governor assured that he will not renege on any of his promises to them.
Wike reminded them that already, he has completed the Nyemoni Grammar School, the Abonnema/Obonoma Bridge, revamped the General Hospital, and promised that in few days time, more fund will be made available to the contractor to complete internal roads in  Abonnema.
Wike also used the church service to enjoin on all citizens to support and participate in the Golden Jubilee anniversary maintaining that, “no amount of intimidation will make me to mortgage the interest of Rivers State. Interest of my state is paramount to me.”
Earlier in his sermon, Bishop of the Diocese, Nimi John Fyneface, described the elevation of King Bob-Manuel as a dream come true for Kalabari people.
“ This elevation to first class has added a voice and the presence of the Kalabari people in the state traditional rulers council,” he said.
The bishop praised Wike for the gesture, commending him for his people-oriented projects and urged him to continue his good works beyond 2019.