The senator representing Rivers East Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Senator George Thompson Sekibo has said that the coronation of Governor Nyesom Wike as Eze Ugbabuezewe Ekpeye Olu Of Ekpeye Land by the Ekpeye nation was not only timely but very deserving by Governor Nyesom Wike as he has developed all nooks and crannies of Rivers State.
In his congratulatory message on behalf of the people of senatorial district, over the weekend, Sekibo, said no ethnic group in Rivers State has not enjoyed the dividends of democracy under the laudable governance of Wike.
The federal lawmaker, who is the leader of the Rivers Caucus in the National Assembly, said the administration of Governor Nyesom Wike has touched the lives of Rivers people in every ramification, and as such, he was worthy of his coronation.
He thanked the people of Ekpeye ethnic nationality for the honour done Wike, who has transformed the state, especially the state capital.
The senator, however, called on other ethnic groups yet to identify with the development strides of the present administration in the state, to take a cue from other nationalities and wake up from their slumber to join the moving train.
Similarly, the Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Council, Barrister George Ariolu also congratulated the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike over his recognition by the Ekpeye ethnic nationality.
Ariolu gave this assurance during a thanksgiving service organised by Prof Glory Njobuabwu Amadi to honour God for his professorship at All Saints’ Anglican Church, Rumuokwachi in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.
Wike was on Saturday conferred with Eze Ugbabuzewe Ekpeye Olu of Ekpeye Land (the leader that has brought upliftment to Ekpeye ethnic nationality), an honour conferred on sons of Ekpeye ethnicity who have attracted development and empowered the people of the kingdom.
He said the recognition was an indication that Wike has a place in the heart of Rivers people, which he believes was a step in the right direction.
Ariolu restated his administration’s commitment towards rewriting the negative narratives in Obio/Akpor to further bring about development in the area.
He added that he would continue to support indigenes of Obio/Akpor who have shown glimpse of brightness to succeed in their chosen endeavours and careers.
The chairman, who disclosed that his administration was hinged on service to God and humanity, maintained that those giving the local government a bad reputation were total strangers, while insisting that the people of the LGA were peaceful and accommodating.
While commending Amadi’s achievements, he stressed that attaining the level of a professor in any society or institution was not a roller coaster ride, particularly in a nation like Nigeria where there was little or no funds for sponsorship,maintaining that it requires a lot of sacrifice and hard work to be achieved.
In his message, Bishop of Diocese of Niger Delta North, Anglican Communion, Rt. Rev Wisdom Ihunwo, who was represented by the Archdeacon of Akpor Archdeaconry, Ven. Saturday Nbete, called on personalities who have attained glorious heights in the society to raise others by helping them achieve their respective goals and objectives.
He also used the opportunity to encourage Amadi to glorify God with his position as a professor.
Others who commended the professor include Vice Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt, Prof Owunari Georgewill; Vice Chancellor, Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Prof Okey Onuchukwu; Rivers State House of Assembly member representing Obio/Akpor Constituency 11,Hon. Michael Chinda; and Registrar, University of Port Harcourt, Dr. Mrs Gloria Chinda, amongst others.

By: Nelson Chukwudi