All is now set for the planned grand civic reception organised by the Kalabairi ethnic nationality in honour of Governor of Rivers State, Chief Nyesom Wike, The event which takes place tomorrow, Saturday, February 5, 2022, at Abalama, the traditional meeting point for the Kalabari nation whenever crucial decisions concerning the corporate existence of the nation state are at stake, promises to showcase the best of the legendary Kalabari hospitality.
It is expected that governoment officials, members of the traditional institution and people of the indigenous Kalabari local government areas of Asari-Toru, Akuku- Toru and Degema will congregate at Abalama in their colours to receive the serial award winning Rivers State Governor and Africa’s Power of Sports (PoS) with a heart of gratitude and appreciation.
Also expected not to be missing in the august gathering at the ancient city is the crème de la crème of Kalabari extraction in politics, industry, academia, professional callings, etc, to whom the development of the kingdom is a top most concern.
Describing Governor Wike as a, ‘’ Friend closer than a brother,’’ the Kalabari people insist that the event is organised to honour, appreciate and celebrate his Excellency for his love, magnanimity and benevolence to the Kalabari Nation evidenced by his prodigious, visible and indelible footprints of developmental efforts within the kingdom.
Among the developmental initiatives and interventions embarked upon by the Wike administration in the Kingdom are: the completed Abonnema/Obonoma bridge; the completed rehabilitation of Nyemoni Grammar School (NGS), Abonnema; the completed construction of Abonnema Ring Road; the ongoing Abonnema/Obonoma Sandfilling/Land Reclamation; the completed Rehabilitation of Abonnema General Hospital, the completed Abalama Sandfilling/Land Reclamation; the ongoing Rehabilitation of Kalabari National College (KNC); the completed Rehabilitation of Degema Zonal Hospital; the completed Reconstruction of Obama High School, Bakana; the completed Reconstruction of Community Secondary School, Tombia; the ongoing Reconstruction of Community Secondary School, Obuama; the ongoing Rehabilitation of Kalabari Girls High School, Buguma; the completed Rehabilitation of Maryhood Bridge, Buguma; the completed Rehabilitation of Buguma General Hospital; the ongoing construction of Trans-Kalabari Road and the ongoing Kula Sandfilling/Land Reclamation.
The other leg of the reason for the convocation of the rich Kalabari culture in the expected pomp and colourful ceremony is the notable key governmental positions occupied by illustrious sons and daughters of the kingdom. Top in this category is the second in command to Gov Wike for the entire life of his administration, Her Excellency, Dr (Mrs) Ipalibo Harry-Banigo, Deputy Governor of Rivers State; Dr Tammy Wenike Danagogo, Secretary to the State Government (SSG); Hon. Damiete Herbert-Miller, Commissioner for Power; Hon. Osima Gina, Commissioner for Transport; Hon. (Mrs) Tonye Briggs-Oniyide; Commissioner for Culture and Tourism; Dr George-Kelly D. Alabo, Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Projects; Mr Igonibo Thompson, Director-General, Rivers State Bureau on Public Procurement, amongst others. Also of particular note is the naming of the Port Harcourt Campus of the Nigerian Law School after the late foremost jurist, Dr Nabo Bekinbo Graham-Douglas (SAN).
Faulting contrary sentiments credited to one Dr Sokonte Davies, a factional chieftain of the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) in the State, Dickson Senibo said it was regrettable that some people were bent on giving political colouration to the well intended programme borne out of a sincere demonstration of gratitude to a governor who has impacted positively on the Kalabari people.
Senibo pointed out that contrary to what Dr Davies wanted the world to believe, the decision to hold a reception for Gov. Wike was not a political affair but a resolution of the Kalabari Ethnic Nationality Council of Traditional Rulers.
“ Three revered kings, representing the three Kalabari Local Government Areas sent the letter of invitation to the Executive Governor of the state and an organissing committee was set up to plan the event. As such, it is quite surprising and disturbing that Sokonte Davies will fabricate stories in a brazen attempt to deceive the public, Senibo said and urged Dr Davies and his co.Abuja-based political sojourners to return home with an open heart to see and appreciate the good things Governor Wike is doing to change the ugly developmental narrative in Rivers State.
Also describing Dr Davies’ statements as ‘’a huge lie’’ and ‘’gruesomely disappointing’’, Hon. Enemi Alabo George, clarified that ‘‘The Kalabari civic reception was carefully thought out by the traditional institution of the Kalabari Kingdom in appreciation of the Governor’s love for the Kalabari people and his development efforts in the Kalabari Kingdom, especially the Trans-Kalabari Road project.’’
According to Hon. George, who is also the Chairman, Publicity Sub-Committee for the event,’’ Other administrations promised the Trans-Kalabari Road but could not deliver. Nyesom Wike came and delivered on his promise.
“For this and much more, the traditional institution felt we should thank and appreciate the Governor. The traditional rulers approached leaders and stakeholders of the Kalabari Kingdom. We were randomly chosen as a committee to plan this event.’’
Hon. George, who is also a member of the Rivers State House of Assembly representing Aari/Toru Constituency 1 said,‘‘The traditional rulers left strict instructions that this was a pan Kalabari affair and not a political affair. This is what in fact influenced the choice of Abalama Community as the venue’’, adding that invitation to the occasion was extended without consideration for political party affiliation.
“ I personally dispatched Sokonte’s information/invitation letter, which he received and sent apologies saying he would not make it due to his boss’ turbanring event in Daura. Same was communicated to the committee. Other APC stalwarts were invited. Some promised to attend, while some gave reasonable excuses, especially the event in Daura,’’ Hon George said, adding that Dr Davies should render an unreserved apology to the Kalabari traditional rulers and the entire Kingdom for his shocking, embarrassing, disappointing and shameful public statements from someone who should know better.
However, happening at a time when political activities towards 2023 general elections are in full swing, political pundits have refused to be swayed that the civic receptions that are held in honour of the governor (Ogonis recently held theirs) are completely devoid of political motives. In fact, they predict that more of such event are very likely to be organised by more ethnic nationalities who are angling to be favoured by the state’s chief executive for a shot at the highest political office in the land come next year.
There is no gainsaying the fact that the Kalabari ethnic nationality strongly desires to produce the successor to Governor Nyesom Wike just like the Ogonis and others, even though individuals from the Kalabari stock, particularly those in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), have understandably shied away from publicly owning up to their interests and ambitions.
As this all-important event holds tomorrow, therefore, political observers will be watching to see if the Kalabari ethnic nation will muster the courage to openly request Governor Wike’s support for their quest to clinch the coveted office of governor of Rivers State in 2023. It will, indeed, be interesting to see what the governor’s response will be, if that petition is made after all.
Whatever happens though, the immutable fact is that Governor Nyesom Wike is eminently deserving of all the encomiums and laurels he will be decorated with by the Kalabari people for his administration’s benevolence toward them.

By: Opaka Dokubo