Rivers
Royal Father Declares Kalabari An Ethnic Nationality Calls For Unity Of Kingdoms
Contrary to widely held belief that Kalabari is a Kingdom, the Amanyanabo of Ke Kingdom, HRH, King, Rt. Hon. Agolia Cookey Aboko Benebo, Omoni XII, has said Kalabari is rather an Ethnic Nationality.
King Omoni, who made this clarification recently when a delegation of the Kalabari Media Forum (KMF), an apolitcal international organisation, paid him a courtesy visit in Port Harcourt, said it amounts to a demotion to refer to Kalabari as a Kingdom, because it is beyond a Kingdom.
Throwing more light on his declaration, he took his domain, Ke Kingdom, as an example, saying his community is a Kingdom, no matter what others may say, and he would stand by it.
“We are ‘Ke Kingdom’. Nobody will take that Kingdom away from Ke. I’m not saying it out of pride. I’m not saying it out of stubbornness. I’m saying it with the understanding that as long as you call Kalabari a Kingdom, you’re reducing Kalabari.
“As long as you call Kalabari a Kingdom, with just one King, you’re reducing Kalabari. Kalabari is an Ethnic Nationality, they are beyond a Kingdom”, he stated.
He explained that Ke wasn’t the first to pronounce itself a Kingdom in Kalabari. Not even others like Tombia, saying Abonnema and Bakana were the first to declare themselves as Kingdoms, though they didn’t give it a categorical pronouncement as such at the time.
He traced it to the point at which Abonnema and Bakana communities pulled out of the Kalabari Se Kobiri (Kalabàri Kingdom Gathering) to declare themselves as their own Se (Kingdom).
The Kalabari Se Kobiri has hitherto been the highest law-making body of the Kalabaris, but has lately been divided against the dictates of its original founding fathers.
Noting that ever since that self declarations, only a faction of the two communities still attend the Se Kobiri, with their Kings no longer bowing to the supremacy of the King Amachree stool of Kalabari.
This action, he noted, was a subtle declaration of a Kingdom by Abonnema and Bakana.
The Royal Father further noted that this was what created the “Tra Se” (three Kingdoms) in Kalabari, which are “Kalabari Se”, “Abonnema Se”, and “Bakana Se”, from which the saying “Kalabari Se na amina abille na”, meaning Kalabari Kingdom and its adjoining communities.
He explained further that consequently, “Kalabari at a point had three Kingdoms: Abonnema, Buguma, and Bakana. So, now, we have Ke Se, Tombia Se, Kula Se, etc. All of us are under ‘Kalabari Ethnic Nationality’”.
This, he explained, is to enhance growth and development of the Kalabari Ethnic Nationality, which, he said, needs to come together, as a people, to take back its rightful position in the comity of ethnic nationalities in the State, and Nigeria at large in order to be relevant.
He also assured KMF of his support, as long as it is targeted at uniting the Kalabari nationality, while also giving his blessings to KMF in its pursuit.
Earlier in his address, the Coordinator of KMF, Alabo Dagogo Clinton, who led the delegation to the Royal Father, explained the reason for the visit, saying it is to seek the support of the Royal Father in giving the Kalabari nation a single voice, among other things.
He said, “As a group, we have in addition to being the eye of the Kalabari nation in the media, put together some ideas that we believe can show the way to Kalabari renaissance.
“These ideas can be best operationalised by a pan-Kalabari group that we do not have yet. It should be noted that the Kalabari Se Kobiri was not envisaged for the current power play in our polity.
“We need the equivalent of Affenifere of the Yoruba nation, Ohaneze of Igbo and Ogbako Ikwerre etc.
“The leadership of the Kalabari nation will need to put together an acceptable group of proven and tested persons drawn from all the major Communities, to form a sociopolitical group to work for Kalabari from the flanks. On this, we earnestly need your support”.
Alabo Clinton also thanked the King for the reception accorded the KMF delegation given the promptness of the visit.
Also in the KMF entourage were: Awolayeofori Harry Macmorrison (Secretary), Soibi Max-Alalibo, Kariba Harry, Kingdom T., and Opaka Dokubo.
Soibi Max-Alalibo
The Head of Rivers State Newspaper Corporation, Mrs Stella Dornubari Gbaraba, has charged the National Association of Ogoni Media House Workers (NAOMEW) World Wide, to be committed to professionalism, patriotism and effective service delivery in the discharge of their duties and rendering of patriotic gestures.
Mrs Gbaraba gave the charge yesterday when the NAOMEW, The Tide Chapter paid her a courtesy call in her office in Port Harcourt.
She expressed deep appreciation for the visit, and assured the Association of her commitment to being a worthy Ogoni Ambassador like late Mr Augustine Nwikinaka, former General Manager of the corporation, to promote the fortunes of the corporation, while counting on their unflinching encouragement, prayers and support to succeed.
“ I am very happy to receive the National Association of Ogoni Media House Workers (The Tide Chapter) today in my office. I am glad you people came to my office, for those that know me in a short while in the corporation, I am a serious-minded person. I heard that the time the corporation was functioning well was under the leadership of late Austin Nwikinaka. Any where I go to, I will rather come down and show working example and that is what the Ogoni person is known for. So I am always proud to associate myself with an Ogoni man, so your support means so much to me,” Mrs Gbaraba said.
She assured them of running an open-door policy in the management of the corporation, and urged stronger partnership between NAOMEW, other unions, interest groups, corporate organisations, institutions and the Rivers State Newspaper Corporation in professional service delivery.
Speaking on behalf of the NAOMEW, The Tide Chapter, the National Secretary of the association, Comrade Taneh Beemene welcomed her into The Tide family and also congratulated her on her very important appointment.
Taneh, who expressed confidence in her experience and abilities to deliver on her assignments, thanked her for the uncommon feats recorded in the corporation within her brief leadership. He said the corporation has been revived from its comatose status that predated her appointment.
“ Within your short time, you have given the corporation a remarkable facelift. We pray that God should give you the enablement to restore the dignity of the corporation. We have come to inform you that we are solidly behind you and will make our untiring contributions to make you succeed, “ he stated.
In his vote of thanks and closing remarks, the Chairman, National Union of Printing, Publishing and Paper Production Workers (NUPPPPROW), Comrade Keyirale Donatus Nwiueh thanked the Head of the Rivers State Newspaper Corporation, Mrs Stella Dornubari Gbaraba for receiving the association in a warm manner, adding that she should count on the support of the association to succeed.
Kiadum Edookor
Niger Delta
OBALGA Sole Administrator Presents Brand New Fire Extinguishers To Council …Commiserates With Traders Over Rumuomasi Market Fire Incident …Commences Desilting Of Drainages
The Sole Administrator of Obio/Akpor Local Government Council, Dr Clifford Ndu Walter has presented 150 brand new fire extinguishers to the council.
Dr Walter who spoke to newsmen at the council premises at Rumuodumanya said the gesture was part of measures by his administration to ensure safety of lives and council property from unforeseen fire incidents.
He urged the staff of the council to ensure the safety of the extinguishers, while promising to engage experts to teach them how to handle and operate the extinguishers.
Meanwhile, Sole Administrator of Obio Akpor Local Government Council, Dr Clifford Ndu Walter has commiserated with traders at the Rumuomasi Market over the unfortunate fire incident that gutted parts of the market.
Dr Walter who visited the market to assess the level of damage caused by the fire, described it as unfortunate
Addressing the crowd of distressed traders and community members, Dr. Walter acknowledged the historical significance of the market, which was originally built under the administration of the former Obio/Akpor Chairman and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief (Barr.) Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON.
He noted that preliminary findings suggest the fire may have been caused by an electrical fault, though a full investigation is still underway.
“As a local government, we will constitute a thorough investigation team to determine the root cause of the fire,
“Most importantly, we thank God that no lives were lost. I want to assure our traders that the Local Government will not abandon you.
“We will also work with security operatives to safeguard salvaged goods and prevent further losses,” he said.
He encouraged traders to adopt stricter safety measures, especially concerning electrical appliances in markets prone to fire hazards.
“There are many ways fires can ignite, even without an open flame. Let us all be vigilant and prioritise safety,” he cautioned.
Dr. Walter also commended those who stepped in to assist during the emergency.
“We are grateful to all who helped salvage goods and support affected persons during the crisis. Your kindness embodies the spirit of Obio/Akpor. The forthcoming investigation will help us put preventive structures in place,” he said.
The Chairman of the market, Mr. Prince Adele, who accompanied Dr. Walter, during the inspection, identified K-Lane as the most severely affected area.
A statement by the information officer to the council, Ominini Leslie Wokoma said no incident of death was reported by the traders during the visit.
In another development, the Sole Administrator of Obio/Akpor local government council, Sir Clifford Ndu Walter, has commenced a comprehensive canal clearance campaign with a view to identifying and removal of all blockages including illegal structures hindering the free flow of waters in the area.
A statement from the council Press Secretary, Ominini Leslie Wokoma said during the inspection of key canals in the area, several unauthorised barricades and blockages were discovered and removed.
According to the statement, Dr Walter emphasised that illegal dumping, unapproved structures and poor drainage habits endanger communities and undermine government efforts, adding that his administration is committed to protecting lives and property of the citizens.
It said the Sole Administrator also declared his readiness to ensure that all canals and drainages are cleaned, maintained and functioning effectively.
He also warned against further dumping of waste in waterways, citing impending flooding.
National Youth Council of Nigeria, Rivers State Chapter, under the dynamic leadership of Amb. Ambrose Sopuruchukwu Okpor, has called on the result-oriented National President, Amb. Sokubo Saraigbe Sokubo, to re-contest.
This call stems from the overwhelming confidence reposed in him by Nigerian youths, based on his outstanding track record, charismatic leadership, and unwavering commitment to youth development.
This was contained in a statement made available to news men, yesterday.
Amb. Akpor explained that under the leadership of Amb. Sokubo the NYCN has experienced unprecedented progress in youth empowerment, advocacy, and national unity.
“I want to say that Amb. Sokubo’s ability to maintain harmony, sustainable peace, and foster an inclusive atmosphere within the youth leadership structure is a testament to his visionary and tactical approach to leadership.
“The Rivers State Chapter, with other progressive and stakeholders, believes he is best positioned to continue piloting the affairs of the Council towards greater heights”,he said.
The youth council chairman in the State further appeal to Sokubo to answer this noble call to serve once again, for the sake of continuity, growth, and the collective aspirations of Nigerian youths across the country.