By: Felix Ikpotor
The Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, Chijioke Ihunwo has urged the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to come back home and apologies to Eze Anthony Owabie, his community chief.
Eze Owabie, the paramount ruler of Rumuepirikom Community was dethroned by Wike during his tenure as governor of the state but was few days ago reinstated by Governor Siminalayi Fubara as the rightful paramount ruler of the community.
Ihunwo who stated this when he visited the palace of the paramount ruler to congratulate him on his reinstatement, said governor Fubara has corrected the unjust treatment meted on Owabie whom the council boss alleged was sacked by Wike for political reasons in favour of his friend, HRH Barry Opara Owabie.
He thanked Fubara for coming to the aide of the community by reinstating Owabie, describing Fubara as a just and fair man who does not associate with illegality.
The council chairman also urged people of the community to join forces with Owabie to enthrone development in the community.
“As a people of Obio/Akpor local government we are very happy with His Excellency, the governor of Rivers state, Sir Siminalayi Fubara for coming to the aid of Rumuepirikom people by reinstating Eze Anthony Owabie as the Nyewe-Eli and paramount of Rumuepirikom kingdom.”
“Nigerians are all aware of what happened more than eight years ago when Eze Anthony Owabie was dethroned by the former governor of Rivers state, Chief Nyesom Ezenwo Wike who is also from this community, but governor Fubara has seen reason to restore his mandate immediately and we are happy.”
“As of today, he is the only paramount ruler in Rumuepirikom recognised by the Rivers State government, so I want to advise the other person who was politically holding that position to come back and work with the original owner of the throne Eze Anthony Owabie for the peace, growth and development of the community.”
Ihunwo appealed to the traditional ruler to forgive the FCT minister, Nyesom Wike and all his adversaries now that God has used governor Fubara to restore his throne.
“Eze Anthony Owabie is the Royal Highness and will remain so till God calls him, we are politicians, we will finish our tenure and go, so no matter the position you hold, come back to your paramount ruler because he is the custodian of the land.”
“I want to advise the FCT minister, Chief Nyesom Ezenwo Wike to come back and apologise to His Royal Highness, Eze Anthony Owabie for forgiveness, that is the only way the gods of the land can forgive him. HRH Eze Barry-Opara Owabie should also tender his apology for holding the office illegally.”
He further assured Owabie of the council’s support as he settles down to work in Rumuepirikom.
In his remarks, the Nyewe-Eli and paramount ruler of Rumuepirikom, Eze Anthony Owabie thanked Governor Siminalayi Fubara for coming to his rescue.
Eze Owabie who spoke through his eldest son, Prince Bright Owabie said the family is in a joyous mood.
“Not just our immediate family but the entire community, that is why you are seeing this crowd.The Rumuepirikom community is very happy and thankful to His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara for this reinstatement.”
