Traditional Ruler Lauds Wike On Infrastructural Dev

A traditional ruler in Ogoniland and the Gbenemene Bangha Kingdom, Mene Suanu Baridam says the massive infrastructural projects executed across Rivers State, were a clear demonstration of Governor Nyesom Wike’s love for the people of the state.
Baridam, who stated this during a media briefing organized to intimate journalists and the general public about his forthcoming 10th coronation anniversary in Port Harcourt, last Monday, further commended the governor for restoring peace in Bangha and Ogoni as a whole.
He also appealed to the governor to address the poor state of Government Secondary School, Luumene in Khana Local Government Area of the state.
The Gbenemene, while thanking the Federal Government for initiating the clean-up of Ogoniland, also appealed to the Hydrocarbon Pollution Restoration Project (HYPREP) to speed up the clean-up process to restore the livelihoods of the people.
He noted that many lives have been lost as a result of the polluted environment and contaminated sources of good drinking water, and called on the Federal Government to restore economic activities in the area with a view to reducing crime and criminality in Ogoniland.
Baridam described his experiences on the throne since inception in office in January 20, 2007 as remarkable while his rein has been peaceful, attributing it to the cooperation and support of the people of Bangha community.
He listed youth restiveness, intimidation of traditional rulers by politicians, criminality along the East-West Road as some of the challenges in the area, and expressed relief that with the presence of the military operatives in the area, crime rate would reduce drastically.
While thanking the Bangha people for their understanding, love and peace, he hinted that the programme of activities to mark his 10th anniversary would begin on May 10 with a novelty football match while there would be the planting of trees on May 11.
Other activities include cultural display by the Bangha people and talks on issues affecting the Ogoni people on May 12, culminating in the grand finale May 13 with a church thanksgiving service at Salvation Ministries.

Susan Serekara-Nwikhana