By: Felix Ikpotor
The lawmaker representing Asari-Toru Constituency 2 in the Rivers State House of Assembly, Enemi Alabo George has described as disappointing, comments credited to a former member of the Federal House of Representatives, Dr. Sokonte Davies that the planned Kalabari Civic Reception in honour of the state governor, Chief Nyesom Wike does not have the full backing of the entire people.
Davies who is the immediate past executive director, finance and administration of the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA) in a statement that has gone viral said the civic reception was in no way a Pan-Kalabari affair but strictly that of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
He said: “ We want to State it very clearly to the general public that the so-called Kalabari Civic Reception in honour of the Governor of Rivers State, Governor Nyesom E. Wike is not in any way a Pan Kalabari activity”.
“The event is strictly of PDP, by PDP and for the PDP and those who sympathise with them. A cursory look at the signatories and the promoters of the event will further confirm it and expose the lie and deception therein. The organisers are looking for a cheap platform to further their political aspirations which they believe the event will help them actualize”.
But George who is the chairman, publicity committee for the event slated to hold February 5th, 2022 insisted that the event has the full backing of the people especially the traditional institution, stressing that the invitation for the event cuts across party lines.
He expressed dismay that Davies being a Kalabari elite could say such thing about the event.
He stated that Wike has shown enough love to the people of the area which led to them wanting to honour him.
His statement reads in parts: “My brother Sokonte’s assertion is a huge lie. The Kalabari Civic Reception was carefully thought out by the traditional institution of the Kalabari kingdom in appreciation for the Governor’s love for the Kalabari people and his development efforts in the Kalabari Kingdom, especially the Trans-Kalabari road project”.
“The Kalabari people have for so many years yearned for, solicited for, and anticipated the Trans-Kalabari road project. Even when the Governor promised to begin the project, naysayers like Sokonte Davies said it was impossible. “Eventually the Governor awarded the project and provided a funding structure that will see to the completion of the project. “This is in addition to many other projects such as the Abalama sandfilling and reclamation project, the reconstruction of Kalabari Girls High School in Buguma, the Buguma General Hospital, the Degema General Hospital, the Abonemma Ring Road and much more”.
“Other administrations promised the Trans-Kalabari road but could not deliver. Nyesom Wike came and delivered on his promise. When completed, this road will tremendously open up the Kalabari ecosystem to a vista of opportunities especially in agriculture, commerce and transportation. For this and much more, the traditional institution felt we should thank and appreciate the Governor”.
