Opobo Is Ijaw, Gov Fubara Clarifies

…Pledges support towards burial of late Kalabari monarch

Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara says the people of Opobo are an integral part of the history of the Ijaw struggle, which makes him a true Ijaw son.

Speaking when he met with the Regent, and other representatives of Kalabari Se Kobiri at Government House, Port Harcourt on Friday, Governor Fubara dismissed insinuations in some quarters that labelled him as a non-Ijaw, saying such persons are bereft of the history of the struggle that made Ijaw a reputable class of people.

“So, whoever is feeding you with that information, should go back to their history classes. You cannot talk about the Ijaw struggle without the Opobo, the Bonny, and the Kalabari.

“We had our trade lines at that time and for you to occupy a trade line, it means you are a true Ijaw man. So, for the records, I am a full-blooded Ijaw man; even in my bones.”

Governor Fubara said Ijaw people are bold, courageous and forthright people who, despite being subjected to inhuman treatment, did not succumb to being traded as slaves during the slave trade.

Sir Fubara emphasised that he has one cardinal belief, which is that it is only the will of God that prevails in every circumstance whether good or bad, winning or failing.

Condoling the Kalabari people over the demise of their monarch, late King Theophilus J.T. Princewill, Governor Fubara assured that the State government will fully participate in the burial activities while urging the people to put their differences aside and work together to give the late king a befitting burial.

In his speech, the regent of the Kalabari kingdom, Dr. Charles Numbere Princewill said they visited to notify the governor that Theophilus J.T. Princewill, Amachree XI, The Amanyanabo and natural ruler of the Kalabari Kingdom has died and formally invited him to attend the funeral. He thanked the governor for the support already given to them and solicited more.

On his part, Secretary to the Rivers State Government(SSG) Dr. Tammy Danagogo said Governor Fubara has shown so much love towards the Kalabari people and committed to giving a befitting burial to their late Amanyanabo.