Rivers Governor, Sir Siminialayi Fubara is on a mission to reconcile all Rivers state people divided by political affiliations. This came out from his speech, as he preached peace for all citizens during the burial ceremony of late King of Kalabari Kingdom, Professor Theophilus J.T Princewill Amachree XI, the Amanyanabo and Natural Ruler of Kalabari kingdom on Thursday, 30th of November, 2023 at King Amachree Square in Buguma Town, Asari Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State’.
Governor Fubara while speaking at the occasion asked Rivers people to join in building a peaceful and harmonious state for even development.
He stated that his administration is determined to foster and enthrone an enviable Rivers State that satisfies the dreams and aspirations of all citizens and residents. The governor charged all residents to always embrace peace, exhibit mutual harmony among themselves and meaningfully contribute their own quota of service to achieve designated developmental ventures that will bring good dividends to the state.
In his words he said “We are in a difficult period but everyone needs to peaceful. We cannot achieve progress in an environment of violence. We cannot grow our state to the level of our aspirations when there is trouble. We can only advance to our dream state in a peaceful environment. I urge every one of you to be peaceful. Peace is the only instrument that can bring development.”
He extolled the good people of Kalabariland for their peaceful dispositions before and after the burial without rancour among them especially between the deceased’s family and the entire kalabari people. He said that such hitch free burial ceremony has disappointed detractors who expected crisis among the people. He urged them to maintain same peaceful and rancour free attitude after the burial ceremony. He urged the Kalabari people to continue to live in peace even after the burial of their late king, adding that nobody in the state should lose hope because his administration is committed not to disappoint, regarding all their expectations.
The officiating minster at the occasion the Intercontinental Youth Pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Belemina Obunge, who represented the General Overseer of the Church, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, preached on the topic: “Don’t wait until you’re late” and harped on the need for people to seek God fervently, serve him truthfully while also living peacefully with neighbours in their various communities.
The burial ceremony of late Amanyanabo of Kalabari Kingdom took a lengthy period of traditional mourning and other burial rites of passage of King Theophilus J.T Princewill were performed. It attracted high profile dignitaries from all walks of life including former First Lady Dame Patience Jonathan, APC governorship candidate in the March 18th 2023 governorship election in Rivers State Pastor Architect Tonye Dele Cole who embraced his political opponent Governor Siminialayi Fubara at the occasion to the admiration of all and sundry as a display of oneness of Rivers people. The question on the lips of many was: Will Tonye Cole still challenge the judgment of Court of Appeal on the outcome of the 2023 governorship election won by Fubara? Time will tell.
– Emeka Amaefula
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