‘Rivers’ll No Longer Play Second Fiddle’

The Eze Epara Ola IV, Eze Engr. Henry Wonodi of Rumuola Community, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State has declared that the state would no longer play second fiddle in the country owing to the brand of leadership, politics and infrastructural development left as legacies by the immediate past governor of the state, Chief Nyesom Wike. Speaking to newsmen at his palace, while assessing the impact of the former governor as he handed over the baton of leadership to his successor, Sir Siminialayi Fubara on Monday, Eze Wonodi said that Chief Wike, through his unique leadership style had put the state on the map politically, infrastructure-wise and economically, making the state one of the stand out states in the country.
According to him, “nobody would toy with or take the state for granted again on national or regional issues. Wike’s boldness and people oriented approach to issues that concerned the interest of the state and its people spoke volumes of the capacity and relevance of Rivers in the comity of states in the country”.
Eze Wonodi also expressed happiness on the calibre of his choice of successor, stating his belief that Sir Siminialayi Fubara would emulate his predecessor by continuing from where he stopped in delivering the dividends of democracy to Rivers people and protecting their interest at all times.
He further commended Wike on the successful and seamless handover to Fubara. “I am delighted that his successor is tested and trusted, with the capacity to continue with the transformation of the state. I cannot thank the former governor enough for the palpable transformation of the landscape and skyline of the state, which has seen the Port Harcourt becoming a renewed city with pleasant landmarks.
‘In fact, Rivers people, both indigenes and non-indigenes are very happy and grateful for the tremendous work done by the immediate past administration. Of utmost importance is the level of security and development that the people have been enjoying. My prayer is that the impressive legacies and good omen continue to be the lot of the state, for Wike to reap the fruits of his hard work, ascend to greater leadership position and for our new governor to be blessed with wisdom and courage to deliver”.
He used the opportunity to call on the people of his clan to remain law abiding as well as give maximum support to the government of Sir Fubara, who he is confident that he will do very well for the state.
He also warned bad elements within the clan, whose trade was to foment trouble by instigating crises with the intention of bringing the ancient stool of Epara ola to disrepute, to desist from their actions. According to him, the Epara Ola is an ancient stool that was gazetted since 1930 during the colonial administration of the then first Governor of Eastern Region of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
He narrated that the stool moved from Eze Wonodi Odota, Who was the first paramount ruler of Rumuola through other successors to late Eze Roland Amadi and to himself according to Ikwerre processes, custom and tradition.

By: Gabriel Nwanetanya