Rivers State Governor, Dr Siminalayi Fubara has charged Etche people to be law abiding as his administration will continue to follow its cause in a most rightful way to get to the desired destination.
Gov. Fubara stated this while speaking at the 10th Coronation Anniversary of His Royal Highness Eze Dr Ken Nwala and first Etche Festival of Food, Art and Cultural exhibition held at Nihi Etche in Etche Local Government Area on Sunday, December 1, 2024.
The governor who was conferred with the prestigious traditional title of Dike Oha 1 of Etche Land alongside Dr. Goodluck Jonathan who bagged Eze Udo 1 of Etche Land admonished the people to always be patient in order to achieve whatever that is desired and assured that he will not disappoint them, promising to do his best to better the lives of the people.
He said, “You are aware we recently awarded a contract for Egwi-Afara-Mba road. You know the importance of that road. We did not just award it, we will make sure that we see to the conclusion and completion of that road. I can assure you that in the next six months we will be coming here to commission that road. That is one among other things that we will do.
“But for today I want to assure you that your support is noted and appreciated and in return we will continue to do our best to lift up your faces before those people who believed that you made a mistake in supporting us. We will not allow you to face any shame.”he noted.
Gov. Fubara paid a glowing tribute to the people of Etche especially the traditional ruler, Eze Dr Ken Nwala for honouring him and the former President Goodluck Jonathan with traditional titles of Dike Oha 1 and Eze Udo 1 of Etche Land and congratulated the monarch for leading his people peacefully in the past 10 years urging him to lead his people with the fear of God, saying , “With that the sky will be your beginning because God is involved in your leadership.”
He particularly applauded the sterling leadership qualities of former President Goodluck Jonathan for attending the event saying, “Let me thank our father for coming to grace this occasion. It is not just the celebrant being close to him as a good reason for his coming, but it shows that he is a man that is very simple who believes that humanity is the priceless thing you can give to anybody. Coming here to celebrate with Etche people is a sign of humility, I want to thank you for coming.”
“Let me congratulate the celebrant and the good people of Agwuru and Etche again. I assure you that we are with you and we will continue to celebrate with you. I will not conclude because I know that in all these things there is one thing that is most important that you want to hear.
“I have assessed the Palace and seen that there are lots of works to be done. So, the government will support His Royal Highness, Eze Ken Nwala with the sum of N100million to complete this Palace.”
Speaking at the event former Nigeria President, Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan commended Governor Siminalayi Fubara for supporting development of Etche Land and asked him to brace up with the challenges of leadership as holding political office comes with trials.
According to him, “I know you are facing challenges, and during events like this, I usually prefer to stay silent, but I must say this: when holding a top political office for the first time, you will undoubtedly face many trials. Remember, nobody becomes a General without fighting wars. Whatever challenges you are facing now are preparing you to become a General in politics. With your total commitment and the overwhelming support of the people of Rivers State, I am confident that God will see you through.
“Do not be discouraged; continue doing your work diligently. The wishes and prayers of the people are with you. God will guide you, and He will also guide Rivers State.”
He congratulated Eze Dr Ken Nwala for being on the throne for ten years noting that, “ten years is a significant milestone because, in that time, people can determine whether you are heading in the right direction. For you to still have the support of the people after 10 years is remarkable. Listening to you and seeing the Governor ready to support you, I am confident you will continue to make your people proud.”
Dr. Jonathan also commended the uniqueness of the celebration as it marked the first Etche Festival of Food, Arts, and Culture.
“As you know, one of Nigeria’s greatest challenges today is food insecurity. Many people struggle to have even one decent meal a day due to the crises in parts of the country, which prevent farmers from going to their farms. The economy is also strained, making imported food unaffordable for many. Even those considered financially stable are complaining.
This is why food is critical, and I commend the people of Etche for maintaining their status as the food basket of Rivers State. This region plays a vital role not only for Rivers State but also for neighbouring states like Bayelsa, Imo, and others. Just as the North supplies much of the South with food, Etche feeds this region, spreading food far and wide. We appreciate the commitment of the Etche people to farming and their contributions to ensuring food availability.”
He emphasised the need for peace in Rivers State as it serves as the center of the Niger Delta, and any instability in the State will create a crisis in the region, which will harm the nation’s economy.
“We must allow the Governor to remain calm and perform his duties. When his tenure is over, another person will take over. Political offices are tenured, so there is no need for unnecessary conflict. Let those in office focus on their work, and the future will create opportunities for others.”
He appealed to the people of Rivers State to prioritize peace, as it is essential for the development and prosperity of the communities.
On his part the Chairman of the occasion, Senator John Azuta Mbata thanked Governor Siminalayi Fubara and former President Goodluck Jonathan for attending the event.
He commended the Rivers State Government for giving the traditional rulers their due respect and recognition to enable them play their roles of securing their communities, maintaining law and order as well as development of the grassroots.
Also speaking, the celebrant His Royal Highness, Eze Dr. Ken O. Nwala, Ugo 1, of Etche Land Onye Ishi Agwuru 111 of Ulakwo Umuselem Kingdom thanked Governor Siminalayi Fubara and former President Goodluck Jonathan for making out time to attend the event which is to usher in the first food festival and culturak exhibition of the people describing them as men of peace and great vision for development.
He said the event reflects their commitment to fostering peace and harmony in the communities and further asked for partnership in enhancing critical areas in agriculture, education, healthcare, road construction/maintenance and rural electrification.
According to him, “The food exhibition here today further underscores this truth. For this reason, we appeal for critical investments in our agricultural sector, taking advantage of our peaceful, arable, and fertile lands. Agriculture remains a sustainable solution to address our nation’s economic challenges, while also creating massive employment opportunities for our growing population.”
