I’m Full Blooded Ijaw, Fubara Tackles Critics

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has said that the Opobo people are integral part of the history of the Ijaw struggle, which makes him a true Ijaw son.
Speaking when he met with the Regent, and other representatives of Kalabari Se Kobiri at Government House, Port Harcourt, last Friday, Fubara dismissed insinuations in some quarters that labeled him as a non-Ijaw, saying those who make such insinuations are bereft of the history of the struggle that made Ijaw a reputable class of people.
“So, whoever is feeding you with that information, should go back to their history classes. You cannot talk about the Ijaw struggle without the Opobo, the Bonny, and the Kalabari.
“We had our trade lines at that time and for you to occupy a trade line, it means you are a true Ijaw man. So, for the records, I am a full blooded, up to my bones, an Ijaw man.”
Fubara said Ijaw people are bold, courageous and forthright people who, despite being subjected to inhuman treatment, did not succumb to be traded as slaves during the slave trade.
The governor emphasised that he has one cardinal belief, which is that it is only the will of God that prevails in every circumstance whether good or bad, winning or failing.
Condoling with the Kalabari people over the demise of their monarch, late King Theophilus J.T. Princewill, Fubara assured that the state government would fully participate in the burial activities, while urging the people to put their differences aside and work together to give the late king a befitting burial.
In his speech, the Regent of Kalabari Kingdom, Dr. Charles Numbere Princewill, said their visit to the Government House was to notify the governor that the Amanyanabo and Natural Ruler of the Kalabari Kingdom, King Theophilus J.T. Princewill, Amachree XI, has died, and formally invite him to attend the funeral.
He thanked the governor for the support already given to them, and solicited for more.
On his part, Secretary to the Rivers State Government (SSG), Dr. Tammy Danagogo, said Fubara has shown so much love towards the Kalabari people and committed to giving a befitting burial to their late Amanyanabo.