An elder statesman in Rivers State, Eze Charles Nweke, has called on Governor Siminialayi Fubara of Rivers State to set aside a day to remember the founding fathers of the State.
Nweke, who is the Chief Cultural Officer of Etche ethnic nationality, said this in an exclusive interview with The Tide in Port Harcourt.
He said remembering the founding fathers will mean a reward for those who suffered and risked their lives for the creation of the State.
Nweke said some family members of the founding fathers of the State are living in abject poverty, stressing that the government can reach out to them through monthly stipends.
“I’m using this opportunity to congratulate the Governor and his Deputy, and even the Head of Service, Dr George Nwaeke.
“God has chosen them, not human beings. I also asked God to give them wisdom.
“They should remember the founding fathers of the State who suffered with their brothers and sisters to create the State.
“This present administration should reach out to their families, even if it means giving their families monthly stipends”, he said.
The Chief Cultural Officer also urged the administration to revive the culture of the State, and bring back the annual Rivers CARNIRIV, decrying the poor state of the Port Harcourt Zoo.
He expressed regrets that previous administrations had not paid much attention to the cultural sector of the State, adding that professionals should be appointed to man the sector.
According to him, Rivers State has abundance in culture and tourism potentials, stressing that these can be fully harnessed to attract tourists into the State.
Nweke, particularly, said the government can assist communities across the State to document their cultural artifacts with a view to showing them to the world.
The elder statesman, who is a member of the Etche Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers, particularly commended the Onyeishi of Etche, Oche ENB Opurum, and the President General of Ogbakor Etche for the establishment of the Etche heritage museum at Igbodo, which, he noted, is housing some of the cultural artefacts of Etche, adding that other ethnic groups can do same.
Nweke, who also called on the administration to incorporate the traditional institution in his administration, further stressed the need for a return to the era when Governors visit local Government Areas to interact with the people on their problems.
He used the occasion to congratulate Chief Alwell Onyesoh and other elected members of both state and National Assemblies from the Etche Ethnic nationality, assuring them of the support of the people.

By: John Bibor