Fubara: Okrika Rolls Out Red Carpet
● As Gov says he is drawing organic support from Rivers people
By Jonas Happy
Governor Siminalayi Fubara in the company of King Ateke Tom, Amayanabo of Okochiri Kingdom.
The Okrika nation on Saturday, without any reservations, rolled out the proverbial red carpet in honour of a titled citizen of Opobo Kingdom and the Governor of Rivers State, Amaopu Siminalayi Fubara.
Fubara whose administration has elevated the stool of the Amayanabo of Okochiri to First Class was in the area to participate in the celebration organised by the Okrika Council of Chiefs to mark the recognition of King Ateke Tom as Be Se Poku.
The Governor was received on arrival by Chiefs and opinion leaders of Wakirike Be Se at the Okrika National School Field.
Sir Siminalayi Fubara who did not refer specifically to the political disagreement between him and his former boss said his resolve to preach peace and make necessary sacrifices which ensure that the State is stable is increasingly endearing him to Rivers people.
According to him, Rivers people not only feel liberated as a result of efforts to halt a culture of dictatorship that is being planted in their midst, but have equally come out in appreciation to support his administration wholeheartedly.
That feeling of liberation, Governor Fubara went on, has propelled God fearing Rivers people to organise special thanksgiving services in celebration of what the Lord has done in the 23 Local Government Areas of the State.
“I am not asking anybody to go round to do thanksgiving as some of you might be thinking”, Fubara emphasized.
“These are people who wake up in the morning and say we have been liberated. We want to tell people that we exist.
“And everyday you’re seeing the numbers, this is not artificial, this is organic support and why are we getting it? it is because of peace that we stand for.”
The Governor pledged that his government would commence the reconstruction of the Isaka Community Landing Jetty, and activate the sandfilling project that was abandoned in the area.
Fubara who cheered all the walls by the Okrika people received a loud ovation when he pronounced the upgrade of the Okochiri stool, from second class status to a first class.
Chief Abiye Sekibo, a former Federal Minister of Transport, had earlier said in a welcome speech that the Wakirike nation had gathered to celebrate one of its own.
He declared that King Ateke Tom has contributed to the prevailing atmosphere of peace in various communities and the Niger Delta.
Sekibo extended the congratulations of the Okrika people to Governor Fubara over his electoral victory, and commended him for his decision to ensure that peace reigns.
He added that Wakirike Be Se will continue to support the Fubara administration and ensure that he serves his second tenure.
The Amanyanabo of Okochiri Kingdom, King Ateke Tom was bestowed the honour of Be Se Poku by the apex body of traditional rulers and the people of Okrika.