One of the respected Ikwerre Traditional Rulers, Chief Enyinda Kingsley Akaninwo, Eze Orluwocha (V) of Rumueme Kingdom in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, has joined millions of Governor Nyesom Wike’s supporters to campaign for his second term bid.
In a chat with newsmen at his palace, the monarch noted that the governor has performed excellently and made Ikwerre people proud through his style of leadership and so deserves a second term in office.
“Gov Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has shown capability. He has massively developed all nooks and crannies of the State and so deserves to go back to office for the completion of his tenure,” he said.
Chief Akaninwo made it clear that every other office holder, including President Mohammadu Buhari, whom many believe has performed poor, is also seeking his constitutionally guaranteed second term in office, talkless of a globally acknowledged performing governor.
The traditional ruler stated that the governor’s home base will not only support the campaign but lead the door-to-door sensitization of the electorate, explaining why he should be returned to the Brick House come 2019 to consolidate on his achievements.
Chief Akaninwo, however, advised that when the governor eventually return by next year for the completion of his tenure, he should give priority attention to the empowerment and employment of women and youths for them to be self-reliant.
On those who are agitating for a shift of the governorship slot, the monarch advised them to wait for the appropriate time, advising that politics is not a do-or-die affair but an opportunity given at a time for leaders to improve the welfare of the people.
According to him, “At the completion of Gov Wike’s second tenure, the stakeholders would naturally come together and consider the area it will go, which will eventually get the support of everybody at that time without much opposition”.
He recalled that Wike’s predecessors all completed their two tenure and wondered aloud why Wike’s case will be different. Chief Akaninwo also used the opportunity to lament the unequal treatment meted to traditional chiefs, and appealed for compensation in this regards.
He stated that going by their immense contributions in the society, especially in the area of peace and security at the grassroot, it would not be out of place if the Rivers State government compensates them. Chief Akaninwo also appealed for the Rivers State Government to assist his community to install a Traditional Ruler for them.
“The Rumueme Kingdom too has been without a traditional ruler for some time now. We, therefore, will appreciate if the Rivers State governor will wade into the matter to give us one, for the easy administration of the people”, he declared.#
