The Unending Rivers Political Pattern

The drama in the political space of Rivers State which has taken center stage in the media does not in any way hit those who are conversant with the real issues as a surprise development.  This has been the pattern since the advent of democracy in the oil and gas-rich state that serves as the traditional headquarters of the Niger Delta region of Nigeria.

 

The current faceoff between the incumbent Governor,  His Excellency Sim Fubara, and his erstwhile Godfather,  Chief Barrister Nyesom Wike, the predecessor of Fubara and currently the Minister of the Federal  Capital Territory. Both men belong to the same political party, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. Although Wike lost out on the power play in the PDP to contest for the presidency, he has since pitched a tent with the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, and serving under the Federal Government headed by His Excellency, Ahmed Bola Tinubu.

 

The factionalization of the APC in the state has been an advantage to Wike who seems to have nailed the coffin with his alliance with the APC Chieftains at the party's headquarters as well as the residents of the seat of power, Aso Rock. Wike has been enjoying the mixed blessings until the rage of the storm in his backyard. This time, it was not the unfriendly knock of a familiar enemy but that of an untimely resistance by a political godson whom he baptized into the murky waters of Rivers politics.

 

Sim Fubara without a word, stood up to his father, mentor, and benefactor in a manner that proved that power has the capacity and ability to make boys into men.

 

If everyone is shocked at the developing story, Wike should not have been since his political journey in 1998. He ought to have realized that he is not and would never be the head of all principalities with the supernatural powers to overrun a system that has become an age-long pattern.

 

Even Wike in one of the political campaigns before the Governorship elections expressed his reservations about reserved people being more dangerous than loquacious politicians. This was in response to Fubara's comment at a rally that Accountants talk less but show more action. He was responding to social media reports where opposition parties mocked him for not being able to speak for himself but allowed Wike to do the talking while he watched.

 

What is more intriguing in the whole drama is that even those who revered Wike as the doer of the impossible are now on the side of the Governor, apparently seeking an end to Wike's envious reign in the  Rivers political stage. Those who hailed Wike yesterday on this are now berating him! The average Rivers man prefers the treasure of the seat of power, formally known as the Brick House, then looking for money to board a flight to Abuja. It has always been the pattern. It is not expected that the erstwhile followers of the FCT Minister would relocate to hang around him in Abuja.

 

The State has enough to cater to those who come around the Government. If only Gov Fubara can be as generous as those before him, then he will gain more support, across party lines and ethnic affiliation.

 

Only a handful of Wike's men can afford the hotel bills in Abuja to wait for empowerment. The rest will switch to Fubara.

 

It happened when Odili relocated to Abuja. It was recorded in Amaechi's days as Minister. This time around, there won't be anything different! It is a repeated pattern just like the "Abiku" by Wole Soyinka.

 

It only remains for the Governor to sustain the favor of the President. I only hope Fubara will not be sacrificed the way Amaechi was by the former President.

 

In all of these, I can say that there are familiar spirits in a territory that are difficult to cast out. I didn't mention karma, even though some may wish to interpret it as such.

 

Wike will not be the first leader to be in a fierce battle with his political godson. But he will be the first to have defied all odds to successfully enthrone a successor, since the history of democracy in Rivers State. Ada George was unable to bring a successor. His former deputy, Peter Odili became Governor through others. Amaechi who was originally Odili's choice was stopped by the President then. He eventually found his way to power through others, after Odili endorsed Omehia as a replacement. Then came Dakuku as a preference to succeed Amaechi, it was scuttled by Wike through the instrumentality of Dame Patience Jonathan, the former President's wife. Amaechi and Wike had fallen out.

 

Wike believed he was different. He brought Some Fubara who was not in the political lineup as a potential successor. Wike made history by breaking the succession jinx. Fubara won and became Governor. Shortly after five months in power, he has been in a fierce battle with Wike.

 

It is not still clear how this will end as Wike pulls all strings and still believes "the law has not spoken."

 

Remember that Fubara has won at both the tribunal and the Appeal Court. The case is pending at the Supreme Court.

 

No one is sure if Wike will align with Tony Cole of the APC to overrun the Governor. But that may be Wike's political Golgotha as Cole remains Amaechi's close friend and political ally. Fubara is enjoying the sympathy of the public even without spending a dime. But sympathy is not enough. While he has taken very fearful steps to stop Wike's lawmakers from impeaching him, it is not in the public space his counter plans to end the Minister's influence in the power play of the state.

 

But Fubara will be opening his wings if he believes that Wike will retreat without a deadly comeback, even if he anticipates a failed attempt. The Minister who many say is reaping from his sins of the past is not known to chicken out from a fight. Not acknowledging his political sagacity and chameleonic tendencies just to win a battle would be preposterous and inimical to stopping him.

 

Though Wike enjoys no special status as Minister, based on the provisions of the Nigerian constitution, he sure has the privilege of presidential backing. His main rival now, Fubara has full-fledged immunity and no President may want to lose the support of the sitting Governor of a state like Rivers. This remains a catch-22 situation for President Tinubu.

 

Obiaruko Christie Ndukwe is the Publisher of Beam Newspapers, columnist and political analyst. She can be reached via: beamnews@yahoo.com

Princewill Pens Terse gratitude message, extends same to family, classmates, colleagues, others

 

The first and only child of the recently buried King of Kalabari Kingdom, Prince Tonye Princewill has extended his heartfelt gratitude to all who supported and honoured  the ceremony and rites that marked his late father’s burial.   

Prince Tonye in a short message circulated to journalists, with the caption “Honouring the Legacy of my father, HSM King Prof. T.J.T Princewill, the Amanyanabo of the Kalabari and the natural ruler of Kalabari,” said he is “grateful for the outpouring of love and support during these weeks of cultural rites, culminating in a beautiful celebration of his impactful life over the years.”

“As his only child, I’ve navigated the intricate cultural rights with love and pride. Heavy is the head that wears the crown, but the strength of all our community lifted me, including you.

“Today, I share a glimpse of the rich tapestry of our culture through a few images from the burial

rites.

“Thank you to my family, my many classmates, schoolmates, friends, colleagues, and well wishers for all your unwavering support. I couldn’t have done this without you.”

 **ENDS**

#KingTJTPrincewill

#LegacyHonoured

#KalabariKingdom #CulturalCelebration

#HowWeBuryKings

Rt. Hon. Barr. Edison Ehie Escapes Assassination

 

The new Rivers State House of Assembly Speaker, Rt. Hon. Edison Ogerenye Ehie has escaped assassination attempt on his life late yesterday’s night

 

According to a statement circulated to News Media outlets by Ken Uchendu Legislative Correspondent, Rivers State House of Assembly, said, “at about 11pm on Sunday the 19th day of November, 2023, a group of Armed thugs and rogue police officers led by one SP. Irikefe London Owen, a superintendent of police attached to the CTU B 3 RSV and CSP Salihu Masalachi attacked the private residence of the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Barr. Edison Ogerenye Ehie, DSSRS, fully armed with an intention to assassinate Mr. Speaker and his family.”

 

Excerpt of the statement: “However, the thugs and rogue Police Officers led by the two above-named police officers in Rivers State were vehemently repelled in a gun battle by the official security details attached to the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Barr. Edison Ogerenye Ehie, DSSRS.

 

“It is imperative to note that the armed rogues and officers were properly and fully captured by CCTV footage in the residence, which shall be made available to all media Houses, including the CNN, Aljazeera and other National and International media outlets for the records.

 

“In the same vein, the Speaker would be addressing a World Press conference on Monday the 20th of November, 2023.

 

“Let it be on record that Rivers people, boys, girls, women, men including the aged shall in our numbers occupy the streets stark naked in demonstration against the Nigerian Police and those sponsoring violence in Rivers State, no matter how highly placed, Rivers people will resist them.

 

“Finally, should there be a breakdown of Law and order in Rivers State, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu should hold the above-named Officers, the Rivers State Police Command and their sponsors in Rivers State responsible.”

 

Rotary Club Port Harcourt ECO Partners RIWAMA On Environmental Sanitation

 

The Rotary Club of Port Harcourt ECO says it is poised to ensure a clean, healthy and sustainable environment devoid of heavy metals, such as lead, mercury cadmium and arsenic. 

 

This was the thrust of a sensitization exercise embarked upon by the Rotary Club, Port Harcourt ECO, Thursday at the New Layout Market in Port Harcourt  City Local Government Area, Rivers State. 

 

Addressing, the traders and executive in the presence of officials from both the ministries of Health and that Environment, the President, Rotary club, Port Harcourt ECO, Rtn Dr. Anthony Ikpor says the essence of the sanitation exercise is that "our immediate environment, is essential to our general well-being" adding that sanitation is a totality of maintaining and sustaining a hygienic living. "

 

Ikpor went further to posit that sanitation also involved an environment that was free of human, industrial and other wastes capable of causing various forms of Diseases that threaten as well as affect human health and that  was according to him, what Rotary Port Harcourt Eco is advocating for.

 

He noted that "in our daily attempt to survive, we have severely impacted on Environment" as according to him, such survival has resulted in generating hazardous elements in  biological, chemical, physical and sociological conditions which are counterproductive to a clean and healthy environment. 

 

Rtn, Ikpor, an astute Banking Executive, Environmental protection advocate and a business management consultant observed that  "to  clean and maintain a serene environment becomes our primary gap that Rotary Club, Port Harcourt ECO is here to address" 

 

While reminding the traders of the New Layout Market of dire consequences of not  carrying out proper environmental sanitation and waste management, he added that it was not difficult to ascertain that inappropriate waste disposal encourages flies, mosquitoes, rodents and stray animals that spread diseases. 

 

He went further to posit that open defecation, improper waste collection and disposal were increasingly worrisome and detrimental to the traders' health even as he added that Rotary Club Port Harcourt ECO was on a robust awareness advocacy and sanitation campaign to the occupants of the New Layout Market on the need to clean their business environment through sanitation. 

 

He therefore, called on the Rivers State Ministry of Environment,and Rivers state  Waste management Agency (RIWAMA) to collaborate with Rotary Club Port Harcourt ECO to drive and sustain the process across  Port Harcourt City, Council, even as he  charged the media to be part of this process by educating the citizens on the need for a clean and healthy environment. 

 

Also speaking, the Rivers state Commissioner of Health, Dr Mrs Adeze Ureh, who was represented by the Director Environmental Health, Services Chetachuku Bestman Akachuku, applauded, Rotary club Port Harcourt ECO for the environmental sanitation advocacy. Dr Ureh said that the issue of environmental sanitation is very important and encompasses homes, offices, schools, public places including the Markets. 

 

 

Dr Ureh who bemoaned the inappropriate disposal of non biodegradable wastes like the plastics which

she said would cause stagnation of waters and also breed mosquitoes which are careers of diseases said "such materials could stay upto 100 years and when they are not properly disposed could cause stagnation of waters and when such happens, it breeds mosquitoes and other harmful toxic chemicals which could in turn cause some health hazards. 

 

 

She stressed that right from the homes we engage in environmental clean up without knowing it, saying "when you wake up in the morning, you brush your teeth, arrange your bed, you sweep your houses.

 

 "When you go to the market, you buy some vegetables, meat and you wash them because you do not know how healthy those selling them are, you are automatically engaging in Environmental sanitation "Adding if you subject human beings to  a medical checkups, in hospitals, you are equally sanitizing the body," she said. 

 

Insisting that "it is a good idea for the society to always make it a daily habit to clean their environment, dispose appropriately to ensure  a healthy living." 

 

"Our environment must always be kept clean, environmental sanitation should be a daily routine." She emphasized. 

 

In the same vein, the Commissioner for Environment Rivers state, Engr Austin Ben Chioma, has called for collaborative efforts among private and public sectors in Rivers state to ensure a clean and healthy environment. 

 

Speaking through the Deputy Director, in the Rivers state Ministry of Environment Nnedam Morgan who represented him at the Environmental Sanitation exercise, organized by Rotary club Port Harcourt ECO in conjunction with (RIWAMA) Chioma said  "Man's open surrounding is the environment while sanitation is the cleaning of man's open surrounding"

 

He added that the Ministry is advocating for more collaborative efforts   with the private sector to ensure a clean and healthy environment for Rivers people. 

 

Continuing, Chioma said, this is what the Ministry should always be doing even as he noted that what Rotary Club Port Harcourt ECO is doing is very important while urging people to key into it. According to him, you can only function properly when you are healthy as a dirty environment would always cause diseases which would affect the person' s performance. Saying " you can only come to the market to sell if you are healthy" 

 

He promised a full packaged lecture on environmental sanitation any other time the exercise would take place. 

 

Earlier in her welcome remarks, the metron of the Rivers state markets Association and former Woman leader, New Layout Market, Borikiri Mrs Gloria Apakawari has praised Rotary club Port Harcourt ECO for coming to the Market. 

 

Mrs Apakawari who traced the existence of the Market to the 1970s insisted that the market was the first major Market in Rivers state and  is known for its cleanliness. 

 

She said, despite having  a two time infano that engulfed the Market, the traders have remained committed and determined to survive. 

 

She regretted the challenges facing the traders such as lack of amenities in the market,  reduced patronage, absence of  security lights and good drinking water due to the leaking storage water tank, dangers posed by cracked walls of the market and the government inability to fully complete the market among others. 

 

She then called on the Port Harcourt City Council and the Rivers state Government to come to their aid while thanking the Rotary Club  Port Harcourt ECO for donating some waste disposal items such as waste nylon bags, waste bins, rakes, spades among others which she said was the first of its kind even as she enjoined other organisations in Rivers State to emulate what Rotary Club Port Harcourt ECO is doing. 

 

The Chairperson, Rotary club Port Harcourt ECO, environmental sanitation and sensitization advocacy committee, Dr  Vivian Ozokwe says her members are bothered about what is happening in the environment, even as she commended the Traders for keeping the Market clean. 

 

Ozokwe said keeping the environment dirty comes with consequences which she traced to  diseases like Typhoid, Cholera, Cough, Diarrhea among others. 

 

She noted that indiscriminate disposal of refuse was not good but was quick to point out that she was satisfied with the level of participation among traders in their efforts to keep the Market clean. 

 

She however, advised that they should continue in that spirit as the benefits of a healthy environment are enormous. 

 

On her vote of thanks, to mark the end of the event, Sele May Aso, an  Asst. Director, in the Ministry of Environment, Rivers state and also a member, Rotary club Port Harcourt ECO, said she was happy with the  successes recorded in the attendance even as she used the opportunity to thank the commissioners of Health and that Environment and their representatives for attending despite their tight schedules.

 

She also praised the Traders who left their business to be part of the programme and advised that they should make use of the advice given them and continue in their drive to ensure a clean and healthy market stressing that her club will continue to partner with them and assist them when the need arises. 

 

The high point of the event was the official hand over of some waste disposal items donated by Rotary Club, Port Harcourt ECO to the New Layout Market executive.

 

 **ENDS***

By Bon Peters,

Port Harcourt, Rivers State

 

Ijaw Leaders of Thought Lambasts Chief Nyesom Wike for Attempting to Portray the Opobo Kingdom As Not True Ijaw

 Chief Nyesom Wike, the singing and dancing politician of Ikwerre extraction, is a lawyer. As a Nigerian-made lawyer, it is expected that he enjoyed being introduced into the creative world of giant Nigerian writers like Wole Soyinka, Chinua Achebe, J.P Clark, Ola Rotimi, and a string of others. Even if it turns out to be a mere assumption that he knew Ola Rotimi, the famous dramatist, on a personal basis, in his heydays at Uniport, it is unlikely that Nyesom Wike never encountered that seminal title, “The gods are not to blame.”  Our amiable comedian in charge of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) is only a year older than Ola Rotimi’s masterpiece. Although the tale traces its roots to the Yoruba cultural soil, the lessons drawn from it make it universal and difficult to avoid. If, by default, as a law student or by coincidence, Nyesom Wike read that piece of drama, he should remember how the powerful and valorous King Odewale was led to a damning fall by hubristic pride.

 

The defining incident of hubris in the play is Odewale's murder of a man who was later revealed as his biological father. Odewale killed the old man, King Adetusa, simply because the man insulted his tribe. The statement, “bushman from Ijekun,” perhaps sounded innocuous to the older man who pelted it, but Odewale gave it a more profound interpretation and accordingly reacted. Rightly or wrongly, Odewale demonstrated that his tribe, ancestry, or history deserves protection and respect. The lesson Ola Rotimi generously presents is that there are consequences for denigrating and disparaging other people and their origins. Nyesom Wike, probably under the influence of narcotics or the capricious authority of some malevolent forces, crossed the red line by insinuating that the people of Opobo are not true Ijaws.

 

The Ijaw man will neither fight Nyesom Wike for his uncouth and puerile comments about the Ijaws, particularly the people of Opobo, nor the Ikwerre nation for the misfortune of having an uncultured and ill-mannered warmonger as a son. However, it is pertinent to share what Nyesom Wike has, knowingly or unknowingly, unveiled about his character and background. It is time his fans and traducers understand more deeply about a man whose pride and poor foundational moulding are about to hunt down from his place of grace. Yes, the nuisance value which has always attracted him sympathy and patronage will soon plunge him into political decline and extinction.

 

Taking from his comment on the Opobo Ijaws, the former governor of Rivers State undoubtedly has a hollow sense of history and is culturally bankrupt. His lack of historical and cultural knowledge is unclad and sadly so. Dr. Reuben Abati was the first to expose that Nyesom Wike is empty and shallow in these regards and ready to undertake any adventure to perpetually enjoy political relevance and security. Wike’s cultural and historical illiteracy can be cured if he is prepared to accept just a one-hour tutorial from Prof. Ebiegberi Joe Alagoa, the living encyclopedia of past events. E.J Alagoa, the most sacred oracle of history in the Niger Delta, will be glad to educate him on the fact that Opobo is core Ijaw and nobody is more Ijaw than Opobo.

 

Perhaps Nyesom Wike should go on a fact-finding mission to Bonny to know that Jaja, who led the migrant group from Bonny to establish in Opobo in 1869, was the head of Annie Pepple House of Bonny and a direct descendant of King Opubo. Opubo and Fubara were brothers from a union between King Perekule and, Okuru, the daughter of a previous king, Amakiri. Perekule (Pepple) became king of Bonny around 1695, and Fubara and Opubo succeeded him. Precisely, Fubara ascended the throne in 1792. Kingship in Bonny still resides with the lineage of Perekule. Bonny (Ibani), from where Opobo migrated, is still known as Okoloba in the Kolokuma axis of Bayelsa State. The Bonny people are known to come from the Isedani lineage of the Kolokuma, and by default, the Opobo people are from Bayelsa State. Opobo is an original Ijaw town and a pride of the Ijaw nation.

 

Nyesom Wike’s false sense of protection and control is also partly responsible for the political doom he is fated to meet before the end of this dispensation. His promise to respond to the Ijaws and all the various critiques of his inglorious expedition to take the head of the governor of Rivers State is because of the self-delusion that he has the machinery of state under his command. Nobody is afraid of whatever blackmail and propaganda he is preparing to negatively portray the governor and his Ijaw brothers. The world already knows that blackmail and propaganda are his stock in trade. A thousand intellectuals in Ijaw land are ready to give it back to him should he throw tantrums.

 

As a politician of many years standing, Nyesom Wike ought to have been sensible enough to understand that His Excellency Siminalayi Fubara is the one with the political muscles to rescue him when he is booted out eventually by his new allies. Governor Sim Fubara, a blue-blooded Ijaw son who understands the principles of provocation and retaliation in Ijaw warfare, will not fight against a benefactor unless prompted by divine justice. The asa-wana chant that Nyesom Wike referred to with scorn is a reminder of the fact that the Ijaws fight only justifiable causes. Ijaw wars are always against oppression, injustice, and intimidation. Asa-wana is never shouted to threaten anyone but encourages youths to stand for truth and justice. That is why Wike should not provoke the sleeping giants.

 

For Chief Nyesom Wike to escape the approaching storm, he should humble himself,  repent of his rancorous attitude, and make peace with all foes and allies. He should be aware that the battle he plots will fail woefully and backfire in the long run because it is against an innocent, patriotic, and loyal man. Anyone who thinks the governor will sit back and allow enemies to capture him and pluck his crown is daydreaming. Chinua Achebe enlightens all politicians with a defense strategy in his Things Fall Apart. He wrote, “Eneke the bird says that since men have learned to shoot without missing, he has learned to fly without perching.” Chief Wike must also know that he is only an appointee whose fate lies with the appointor to manipulate as he wishes. As an appointee, he can be easily distracted out of office.

 

A word is enough for the wise!

 

Signed:

Comrade Jackson Agbor 

Chairman

 

Comrade Moses Omare

Secretary General

•  

 

Amayanabo of Kalabari gave selfless Service to the Niger Delta People - Dr. Solomon Arase

 .....Assures of his presence and security during the Late Monarch’s burial

 

The Chairman of Police Service Commission, CFR, retired Inspector General of Police and an illustrious son of the South-South Geopolitical zone of the country, Dr. Solomon Arase, has described the late Kalabari Kingdom Monarch, King Prof.TJT Princewill as a man who carried himself well and gave selfless Service to the people of the Niger Delta.

Dr Arase stated this when a delegation of eminent indigenes of Kalabari Kingdom in Rivers State paid him a visit in Abuja.

Among the delegation led by the son of the late king of the kingdom, Prince Tonye Princewill were Pastor Tonye Patrick Cole; Opunabo Inko-Tariah, Chief Dr. David Briggs and His Royal Highness, Dr. Diamond Enoch Tobrin-West.

Others were His Highness Anabs Sara-Igbe and Mrs. Chinwe Ezeanya.

The delegation was in Abuja to inform the PSC Chairman of the passing onto the glory of King Prof.TJT Princwill, the Amayanabo and Natural Ruler of Kalabari Kingdom, and arrangements for his burial

Princewill who spoke for the delegation officially invited Dr. Arase to the burial and requested for his assistance in ensuring adequate security during the ceremony.

Dr. Arase assured of his presence at the burial and noted that the late King lived a distinguished life and also positively touched many lives.

According to him, “he carried himself well and gave selfless Service to the people of the Niger Delta.”

He promised to do the needful and ensure that there would be adequate security during the ceremonies of the burial.

 

 

 

 

Senate President, National Assembly to Honour King Princewill

....His Passing A Great Loss - Olu Of Warri

 

"I was tutored in Port-Harcourt, I am from the Niger Delta region and as a former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs,  I can tell you, this King deserves a befitting burial", were the words of the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio. The Senate President who promised to  spare nothing within his reach to give the transiting King of the Kalabari Kingdom, King Prof.TJT Princewill, AMACHREE XI, the honour that he deserves, even in death.

 

He went on to say; "National Assembly, members will pay their last respects to the king on the floor of the Chambers, and some-including me-will attend the burial."

 

Sen. Akpabio gave the assurances when a high-powered delegation led by Prince Tonye T.J.T Princewill paid him a courtesy call at his Abuja residence. The Senate President who warmly received the Kalabari sons, took the delegation on a mental flight of his inspiration as Governor of Akwa Ibom state and how his pleasant memories while in Port-Harcourt helped develop him. He said he knew the Kalabaris well and a man of the King's pedigree is worthy of a befitting burial.

 

Earlier in his opening speech, the Chairman of the burial committee and only child of the King, Prince Tonye Princewill, had thanked the senate president for agreeing to admit the delegation at very short notice. Princewill who said although the senate president may already be aware of the king's departure, it is worthwhile and respectful for the delegation to personally visit him to brief him on the funeral rites. He then went ahead to introduce members of his delegation to the senate president.

 

In his opening speech, His Highness Anabs Sara-Igbe of Kula, thanked the Senate President for the warm reception and the reason for the visit. He emphasized the historical ties between Akwa Ibom and Rivers States and stressed the need for the Senate President to be at the funeral in person as a one-time full fledged "Port-Harcourt boy".

 

Also speaking, the Amanyanabo of Okpo, King Diamond Tobin-West, awakened the delegation with his past experiences with Sen. Akpabio, while expressing satisfaction with the Senate President’s assurances, but further re-emphasized the need for his presence and support.

 

In his vote of thanks, Chief David Briggs appreciated the Senate President for receiving the delegation without notice and making them feel at home. He further thanked him for all the promises made, saying “we will tell our people what we saw and heard here today.”

 

Others on the delegation were Pastor Tonye Cole, Sir Opunabo Inko Tariah and Mrs. Chinwe Ezeanya.

 

Also visited by the delegation was The Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III  who described the passing of the King of Kalabari kingdom, King Prof. TJT Princewill as a great loss that has left behind a huge gap and very big shoes to fill.

 

Speaking when a delegation led by the Prince visited him, the Warri monarch said that although he was not close to the King, he was quite proud of the very good things he had heard and promised to send quite the delegation to give the Kalabari King a befitting farewell.

 

Prince Tonye T.J.T Princewill, briefed the King on all the funeral rites. He said the delegation was at the Olu's office in Abuja to personally and formally invite him as a mark of respect and that even though he knew that he was not permitted to attend because of cultural restrictions, “the presence of the Itshekiri ethnic nationality was a strong signal”.

 

The vote of thanks was given by the Chairman of the media and publicity Committee, Sir Opunabo Inko-Tariah.

 

Top Government Functionaries, Celebrities, Others Set For Okpe Language Movie, Izede Efe, Premiere

Top government functionaries, business moguls and celebrities will on Sunday, November 26, 2023, view the first-ever screenings of Okpe Language movie, Izede Efe.

The event will take place at Wetland Event Centre, Sapele between 12 noon and 5.00 PM.

“Political and traditional leaders, community and religious leaders as well education administrators and students’ leaders will step out of their houses on Sunday, November 26, 2023” a statement by the Executive Producer of the movie, Barrister Kingsley Akpederin said.

“The stars of the movie written by Blessing Okpenihwo and Akpederin Kingsley will turn up in Sapele for the film's main premiere.

 Produced by MTO Movies Academy and Directed by Blessing Okpenihwo, the star-studded movie is the initiative of the Ehensiri Okpe Foundation, and it contains a contemporary message of the need for youths to appreciate hard work and legitimate processes to achieving wealth or financial success.

 “If this message sinks into the psyche of our people especially the youths, the phenomenon of vices like robbery, kidnapping and ritual killings would be a thing of the past” the statement said.

The theme of the movie, according to Akpederin, is driven home by the reward for hard work and legitimate efforts of two young graduates while two others who put their hands into despicable vices for wealth ended up regrettably.

The statement emphasized that the Ehensiri Okpe Foundation opted to have a physical premiering of the movie to reawaken the entertainment consciousness among our people in the area of employing our local languages many of which are gradually going into extinction.

The success of the programme he said would motivate the people especially the youths of Delta State and the entire Niger Delta which is a region with several minority languages to employ these languages in various entertainment genres.

“We need to encourage the reclaiming of various art forms in the various Delta State indigenous languages. The traditional storytelling, proverbs and riddles, various forms of traditional songs, and traditional dances need to be reclaimed. They are our collective heritage which must not be permitted to fade away. If we allow them to finally disappear, then this generation would be cheating on future ones.”

Akpederin urged the government to support the project of reclaiming the collective arts heritage.

The notable Okpe leader and film producer also underscored the guest list and the stars of the movie shot at Osubi Town in Okpe Local Government Area and Sapele in Sapele Local Government Area

“Rhoda Okpako, Atarhe Oyovwe, Blessing Okpenihwo, Doris Obeje and other indigenous stars of the Okpe Ethnic nationality really put their hearts into the movie. It was an opportunity for some extremely gifted Okpe actors to showcase their natural performing talents” he said.

“The movie is subtitled in English Language which therefore enables all those who can read and understand the English Language to perfectly have the full benefit of the entertainment and message offered by the movie. ‘’IZEDE EFE is therefore for all irrespective of tribe or ethnicity. The soundtrack of the movie titled "Ghwabọfo" which means "Watch Your Hands Clean" is a standard one which has already gone viral for its highlife melody and message.”

“The Okpe Union has also promised to send a powerful delegation” he added.