● Tonye Okurumo
- ○ Urges Enemies of Rivers to Allow Peace Reign
- ○ As Gov Accepts Dike Oha 1 of Etche
Former President of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, has assured the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, that the political challenges he faces will ultimately strengthen him, molding him into a “General in politics.” Nelson Chukwudi, Chief Press Secretary to the Rivers State Governor, revealed this in a statement on Sunday, December 1, 2024.
Meanwhile, Governor Fubara has accepted the chieftaincy title Dike Oha 1 of Etche land, conferred on him by the Supreme Council of Etche Traditional Rulers. The Governor remarked that the honor reflects the deep support he enjoys from the Etche and Ikwerre people.
Governor Fubara made these remarks at the 1st Etche Festival of Food, Art, and Culture Exhibition, held at Nihi Community in Etche Local Government Area. The event also marked the 10th anniversary of the coronation of His Royal Highness, Eze Ken O. Nwala, as the Onye Ishi Agwuru III of Ulakwo-Umuselem in Etche.
The occasion was graced by the former President, Dr. Jonathan, who was also bestowed the traditional title of Eze Udo 1 of Etche land.
In his address, Governor Fubara expressed gratitude for the recognition and pledged his administration’s continued commitment to improving the lives of Rivers people. He revealed that contracts have been awarded for the reconstruction of roads in Egwi, Afara, and Mba communities in Etche, assuring residents that these projects will soon be completed.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara (left); and former President, Dr Goodluck Jonathan (right); walking to inspect farm harvests during the 10th Coronation anniversary celebrations of Eze Ken Nwala and 1st Etche Festival of Food, Art and Culture Exhibition in Etche on Sunday.
“For my teeming supporters, I know you are happy I am here,” the Governor stated. “Let me wave the title, Dike Oha 1, to you. I receive this honor on behalf of my family and the good people of Rivers State with all my heart. We will not disappoint you.”
He further assured: “We will soon commission the roads in Afara, Egwi, and Mba communities. That is one among many projects to come. Your support is well appreciated, and we will do our best to uplift your lives and vindicate your decision to back us.”
Governor Fubara highlighted the importance of patience and unity in achieving collective goals, urging the people to remain law-abiding. He expressed satisfaction with the presence of both current and former local government chairmen at the event, describing it as a testament to the community’s progress.
The Governor also commended Eze Nwala for his decade-long service as a traditional ruler, urging him to continue placing God at the center of his leadership.
Acknowledging Dr. Jonathan’s presence, Governor Fubara said: “Let me thank our father, Dr. Jonathan, for gracing this occasion. Your humility and humanity are priceless gifts to us. Despite your busy schedule, you came here to celebrate with the Etche people. Your support during the challenging periods of this administration has been invaluable.”
In his remarks, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan called for collective efforts to maintain peace in Rivers State, emphasizing its critical role in national stability. He urged Governor Fubara to remain focused and resilient, stating that the challenges he faces are shaping him into a better leader.
“I know you are facing challenges,” Dr. Jonathan noted. “But remember, no one becomes a General without fighting wars. With your dedication and the support of Rivers people, you will overcome these trials.”
The former President stressed the importance of peace in Rivers State, warning that instability in the state could adversely affect the entire Niger Delta and Nigeria’s economy.
“Rivers State is the heart of the Niger Delta,” he said. “If there’s trouble here, it affects the entire region. Let us support Governor Fubara and allow him to work peacefully. Political offices have tenures; let us not destroy ourselves over them.”
Dr. Jonathan also congratulated Eze Nwala on his achievements over the past decade and praised the Etche people for their agricultural contributions, describing the community as the “food basket of Rivers State.”
“I commend the Etche people for their dedication to farming, which benefits not only Rivers but also neighboring states like Bayelsa and Imo,” he added.
Senator John Azuta Mbata, Chairman of the occasion, lauded Eze Nwala for his exemplary leadership and urged traditional rulers to collaborate with the government in maintaining law and order within their domains.
In his speech, Eze Nwala reflected on his 10-year journey on the throne, highlighting milestones such as advancements in agriculture, education, and healthcare. He expressed gratitude to the distinguished guests, noting their presence as a testament to the shared vision of progress in Etche land. GMTNewsng
Done
June 29, 2021 at 5:09 pm
If the people in OWO community can not settle the case and allow each and everyone to live how are they going to rule a state if i may ask? Their Man is warming up for Enugu State governor and they still allow this kind news to go online, the Man should call for peace because his brothers name is the one mentioned here, HRH OKEKE ARUM, from the same community. Please let peace be into u people, there’s no gain for war is either u die or ur relatives.
Admin
July 14, 2021 at 8:55 am
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MarilynMop
August 9, 2021 at 6:38 am
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