The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) has hailed the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, on the conferment of a chieftaincy title on him by the Kalabari Kingdom, describing the feat as well-deserved.
In a statement signed by the Chairman, Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Kalabari Se-Ikpangi, Comrade Edward Asikitams, the umbrella body of Ijaw youths in the Niger Delta said the conferment of the title could not have come at a better time.
The statement reads in full: “I hereby wish to congratulate the Governor, Chief NyesomWike on his conferment as the Se-Ibidokibo 1 (He who does good things for Kalabari people) of Kalabari land. We are proud, irrespective of what blind and incurable cynics may say, to be associated with you and your gigantic developmental strides in Kalabari Kingdom. You are a rare gem and a blessing to our generation!
“The historic civic reception that confers on you as Se-Ibidokibo 1 of Kalabari Land was a grand event in which the cream of Kalabari Kingdom and people from other parts of the state and nation at large attended. The grandure of the event exuded the rich cultural heritage and appreciable hospitality of the Kalabaris.
“Let me start by appreciating the conceivers of this lofty idea and the organisers of this auspicious epoch-making occasion that was apolitical, yet unprecedented considering the presence of our illustrious sons and daughters, especially our own revered human rights activist, Ann Kio-Briggs who noted that Rivers State, though a complex place to govern, does not mean that the people do not love one another.
“Rivers people, particularly the Kalabaris, epitomise love, selflessness, unity and progress. Our level of magnanimity in supporting other Rivers sons and daughters in achieving their political aspiration knows no bound. This fact prompted the 1999 political scenario in Rivers State in which our Kalabari leaders anointed and sponsored a governorship candidate from the minority of the minorities due to the derive for oneness, unquantifiable love and brotherhood et al.
“Permit me to cite the words of our Leaders during this groundbreaking event that was held at the ancient town of Abalama in Asari-Toru Local Government Area.”
Former Vice Chancellor of the prestigious University of Port Harcourt, Prof. Nimi Briggs (Professor Emeritus), during the civic reception, said that “Kalabari people have enthusiastically, and with relentless vigor, contributed to the growth and development of Rivers State and Nigeria”.
Briggs further said that, “It is appropriate, and should be considered the right thing, for the Kalabari people to expect returns for the dues that we had paid”.
Chief BekinboDagogo Jack and Chief Dumo Lulu Briggs respectively, stressed that the Kalabari people are expecting our amiable Governor to reciprocate in his usual magnanimous gesture by ensuring that the Kalabari people are brought out from the political wilderness in 2023.
“Your Excellency, the well articulated aforementioned requests that were respectfully submitted by our erudite representatives are the genuine aspirations and yearnings of our people.
“Your Excellency, in your speech you explicitly pointed out that a part of the bane of development in Kalabari land is the issue of lack of unity. You further called for us to unite and have a formidable front that can help us to lobby for the governorship of the state.
“Sadly, we operate a political milieu in which a man would indicate interest in running only for many others in his community to decide to run for same political office, too. This is an element of division of our votes. We really need this sense of unity called for by His Excellency. It would.not be as usual!
“Obviously, it’ is only someone who dearly and genuinely loves us that can render such an incredible and profitable advice.
“Your Excellency, thank you for promising to award the phase two of the Trans-Kalabari Road Project. Believing that the aforementioned phase two will commence and possibly be completed before the expiration of your second tenure as promised. I pray for God to grant you the grace for expediency as observed in all projects you have assiduously executed in our dear state.
“Iwill continue to advocate for good governance, unity and lasting peace in synergy with traditional, political and opinion leaders that will attract more sustainable projects to our clan and Rivers State at large.For those politicising everything, it is proper to point out that politics is a game of “jaw-jaw” and not “war-war”. I strongly believe that Kalabari Kingdom has enough people of high profile that can properly articulate and direct us in our quest. Priority however demands that we must unite our individual interests for the common good of our people premised on the motto: You win, I win.”