By: Morrison Kpazoo
The ancient town of Bori came alive yesterday as thousands of supporters, political stakeholders, and members of the Renewed Hope Family gathered at the Bori Police Field for the inauguration of Ward Coordinators across the 19 wards of Khana Local Government Area.
Hosted by the Chairman of Khana LGA, Dr. Thomas Bariere, the event turned into a massive political rally, showcasing the growing grassroots support for the Renewed Hope movement in Khana.
The colorful gathering attracted several high-profile personalities from within and outside the state. Among those in attendance were the State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope, Amb. Desmond Akawor, Rivers South-East Coordinator of the group, Chief Marcus Nle-Ejii, and Dumnamene Robinson Dekor, alongside other political leaders, council chairmen, and party faithful.
Speaking during the inauguration, Dr. Thomas declared that the people of Khana have every reason to continue supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, citing what he described as the administration’s impactful interventions in Ogoniland and Rivers State at large.
According to him, one of the most significant gestures by the President was the posthumous pardon granted to the late environmental activist, Ken Saro-Wiwa, and the Ogoni heroes who were executed alongside him.
“In Khana, our message is simple. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has done so well for the people of Khana,” Bariere stated.
He continued: “For many years, we cried and demanded the exoneration of our hero, Ken Saro-Wiwa, and others who were unjustly killed, but it fell on deaf ears. A man came and, in less than one year in office, answered that call by granting them pardon and exoneration. So, are we not supposed to support him?”
Furthermore, the council chairman praised the President for appointing sons of Khana into strategic national positions, describing such appointments as evidence of inclusiveness and recognition of the Ogoni people.
“Just recently, an industrious son of Khana was appointed Chairman of HYPREP Board by the President. Are we not proud of that President?”
Bariere highlighted ongoing developmental projects in the area, particularly the proposed industrial park and the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Remediation, which he said would create employment opportunities and stimulate economic growth in Khana.
“If you come to Khana, you will see that work on the industrial park is about commencing, and if you understand the economic implications of an industrial park, then you will know that jobs will be created for our young people,” he said.
The chairman also commended the President for what he described as efforts toward restoring democratic stability in Rivers State.
“Because of the able leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, democracy is being restored in Rivers State. Are we not happy with the President?” he added.
Meanwhile, the chairman reserved special praise for the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, describing him as a dependable political leader whose relationship with the Presidency has continued to attract progress and stability to Rivers State.
The Council Boss noted that Wike understands the aspirations of the people and has remained instrumental in strengthening the connection between Rivers State and the Federal Government.
“We have a good Federal ‘calabash’ without which the palm oil would not have gotten to the marketplace, and who is that person? Our leader, Ezenwo Nyesom Wike,” he stated.
According to him, the collaborative relationship between President Tinubu and Wike has contributed immensely to the smooth political and developmental atmosphere currently being witnessed in the state.
Additionally, Dr. Thomas Bariere assured party leaders and supporters that Khana remains fully committed to the Renewed Hope movement, insisting that the massive turnout at the inauguration was a clear demonstration of the people’s readiness to deliver overwhelming support in future political engagements.
“To the people of Khana, be rest assured that Renewed Hope in Khana is back. What you are seeing here today is a clear indication that Khana will deliver one hundred percent,” he declared.
