All is set for the Grand reception of HE Bar Ezenwo Nyensom Wike, CON, GSSRS,POS ,Life Bencher, this Saturday in Port Harcourt, by a group known as Rivers Ijaw progressives Congress-RIPCO.
This socio cultural body is an umbrella group of indigenous people of all the Ijaw ethnic nationalities of Rivers state extraction.
They are 10 distinct tribes spread across eleven Local Government Areas of Rivers state, namely: Abua/Odual,Akuku- Toru,Asari- Toru,Andoni, Ahoada West, Bonny, Degema, Opobo/Nkoro,Okrika, Ogu-Bolo,and Port Harcourt
According to close historical sources, the Ijaws in Rivers state (Niger Delta region) have existed as far back as 800 BCE, making them one of the world's most ancient people.
Although they exist in various distinct ethnic tribes and languages, they are known for their unity in diversity, a virtue that has characterized their historic trajectory, of peaceful co-existence with other tribes and neighbors,in Rivers state,over the years.
That,the leadership of the socio-cultural body has chosen to honour, and celebrate a distinguished rising star and a great political icon from another ethnic group, is a welcome development.
By this initiative,they are only re-establishing the Ijaw spirit of gratitude and love for hard work, resilience,excellence in leadership and governance.
Those who know the man at the centre of the celebration, and has followed his political career in Rivers state, will affirm that the special Guest ,HE Ezenwo Nyensom Wike, is an embodiment of all the virtues stated above, and the Ijaw people have made the right move to celebrate a bridge builder and an achiever of no less repute.
It is not in contention, that Chief Ezenwo Nyensom Wike, has impacted the Ijaw nation positively, as well as taken Rivers state to the "hall of Fame" in the comity of states in Nigeria.
As Governor of Rivers state,he brought peace to the entire state, and unified the various ethnic groups.
His footprints of developments in human capital, economy,and infrastructure are visible in all nooks and crannies of our dearie state, and the Ijaw nation can boast of a phletora of these dividends spread across the 11 Local Government Areas where the Ijaw people in Rivers state occupy
In making this claim,I will always quote my community in Ijaw land, as a beneficiary.Yes, Emoh community in ward 8, Abua Odual LGA benefitted from Wike's impactful administration,and that is something to be loud about, no matter whose ox may be gored by this testimony.
Today my community that was neglected completely by previous administrations,can boast of a well constructed road and other social amenities.
And this for me, is a reason to join RIPCO, to appreciate this bridge builder,and an achiever per excellence.
It is also a fact that his footprints are all over in other Ijaw LGAs and I believe my other Ijaw brothers and sisters will echoe this same testimony, in affirmation of the dividends from HE Ezenwo Nyensom Wike.
Again, very spectacular is the safety of the Ijaw nation, in the hands of this great Leader, who understands the politics of Nigeria.
He has indeed distinguished himself in fighting for equity, justice and fairness, and grown beyond the politics of confusion and bitterness.
With audacity to enshrine integrity into our political power sharing framework, using the rule of law, he has introduced a paradigm, that has united different political ideologies, towards the achievement of equity and fairness in our national polity.
Not only that, he has gone beyond ethnic and religious sentiments, typical of the Nigerian factor, to build bridges of political alliances that are unifying the politics of Nigeria.
No wonder " Mr President, HE Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, considers him, not only a minister but a dependable ally,and an adviser.
I won't forget his exceptional performance as minister of the Federal Capital Territory. Today the occupants of the federal Capital Territory are full of encomiums to the Minister, for the life changing projects; beginning with the complete overhaul of the rail system, to road infrastructure,as well as other security initiatives etc. All these achievements are bringing fame and honour to the Rivers man, in the comity of states.
As an Ijaw man, I am therefore very proud that our Elders under the aegis of RIPCO, were quick to align with this great National Leader.
My special thanks goes to my Leader,Chief Tony Okocha, KSC DSSRS JP, for fighting for the soul of APC in Rivers state, and by extension, bringing Ijaws sons and daughters in APC Rivers state ,into this alliance with the man of the moment,who is Leader of the Renewed Hope family, in Rivers state (001),HE chief Bar Ezenwo Nyensom,the FCT minister.
Through this alliance of unity and fairness, the Ijaws in the Renewed Hope APC, are glad to unite with their "kit and kins" from all other political leanings, to follow a leader who has distinguished himself,to protect all Rivers people, including the great Ijaw nation.
To all my Ijaw Elders who conceptualized the idea of RIPCO, and are behind the success story,
I say a big thank you, and commend your efforts.
I will not fail to also thank the Leader of the Renewed Hope family,in my LGA(Abua/Odual), and member representing Rivers state at the National Population Commission, Prof Henry I. Ogiri, and indeed all other leaders, for the foresight in identifying with the Ijaw people's Congress.
With this wise move the Ijaws in Abua/Odual LGA,have a sense of belonging, not only in Rivers state,but at the centre. Indeed they are hopeful of consolidating on the gains of the Renewed Hope in Rivers state.
This grand reception is the best that is happening, and as the entire Ijaw nation in Rivers state roll their drums, and appear in their beautiful traditional constumes of Ijaw heritage, let all true Ijaws remember :
- that we are a people that exhude gratitude and appreciates those who have contributed in keeping us together
- the good roads, various empowerments, electricity,portal water and the enduring peace in our communities
- our great sons and daughters that HE Ezenwo Nyensom Wike recommended to the presidency, and today occupying very Strategic positions, like Prof Ogiri, Bar Mrs Ukel Oyaghiri,Chief Hon Ojukaye flag Amachree, Hon Boma Iyaye, Dr Mrs Maureen Tamuno, and a host of others
- that with Wike, and all these leaders,there is a ray of hope for the Ijaw nation in Rivers.
Happy celebrations - RIPCO
Dr Godpower Egbono
Former APC- PCC member & Leader, APC Abua/Odual Leadership Caucus.
Writing from Port Harcourt
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