…on the occasion of his coronation
Governor Nyesom Wike who has just returned from Abalama in the Kalabari Kingdom where he was honoured with a chieftaincy title has berated the Kalabaris for failing to work together as a team.
They would be the second major tribe in Rivers State seeking higher office who would be reprimanded because of the deep seated differences existing among the political elite.
Recall that the Ogonis were the first to be so rebuked by the Governor for their lack of unity.
Wike who did not mince words when he came face to face with the Kalabari people said the lack of unity in their midst has proved rather counter productive.
“Shame! Shame!! Shame!!!”, Wike cried out as he tried to rouse Kalabari unity, “you are not working together.”
The Governor who said he had no option than to speak the bitter truth urged the Kalabari people to eschew a past that has projected them as a divided people and come together as one.
He observed that he was aware of the demand that Kalabaris were about to make, but he said there was still time to have such a conversation.
Apparently happy with his coronation and admission as a member of the Kalabari kingdom, Wike said he was elated at his recognition by the Kalabari.
He thanked the King’s, Chiefs and people for the honour and jokingly remarked that his wife would use some of the edible gifts that he has received to cook something sumptuous for him on Valentine’s Day.
Nonetheless, two prominent sons, Professor Nimi Briggs however broached the issue of the Rivers governorship.
In their separate contributions, when they spoke during occasion, they pointed out that the Kalabaris have been supportive of the governor and the PDp, noting that their people were equally expectant.
The Kalabaris known for their pride and hospitality rolled out the drums in honour of a governor whose administration has carried them along.
The title of Se-Ibi-Dokubo Kalabari, which means ‘He who does good things for Kalabari People’ was conferred on the Governor at a civic reception.
The reception was organized by the three Kalabari speaking Local Government Areas as a gesture of appreciation of the Governor’s investment over 40billion naira on various developmental projects in the coastal area.
With this title, Governor Nyesom Wike is recognized as a member of the Kalabari kingdom, a major Ijaw ethnic group in Rivers with three Local Government Areas of Asari-Toru, Akuku-Toru and Degema.
Governor Wike received the title in full traditional regalia.