Ogu Divisional Council Of Chiefs Visits Abonnema Monarch Over Electoral Violence
It was a historic day in the ancient City of Abonnema, as its Amanyanabo, HM King (Barr.) Disrael Gbobo Bob-Manuel (II), KSC, Ekineye Gbobo, Owukori (IX), on Thursday, June 6, 2019, played host to the Ogu Divisional Council of Chiefs at his Palace in Abonnema.
The Ogu Divisional Council of Chiefs, led by the Amanyanabo of Ogu Kingdom, HM King Nicolas Ibiebele Nimenibo, Loko (IX), visited the Amanyanabo and people of Abonnema to commiserate with them over the violence that rocked the area during the February 23, 2019 Presidential and National Assembly Elections, which led to the death of over 30 persons.
The Amanyanabo of Ogu explained that as brothers with a common history, it was necessary to them to re-establish and strengthen the age-long relationship that existed among the Kalabari and Okrika people long before Nigeria was amalgamated.
He condemned the incidents that led to the unfortunate loss of lives, praying that such incident should never reoccur.
The Ogu Monarch used the occasion to congratulate the Amanyanabo of Abonnema on his elevation as a First-Class Monarch in Rivers State, adding that such development was well deserved and addresses the age-long agitation for chieftaincy stools recognition and elevation among the Ijaws of Rivers State.
In his speech, the Chairman of Ogu Divisional Council of Chiefs, Chief Spiff Taribo Amgbara, commended the Amanyanabo of Abonnema for his courage and steadfastness, adding that but for his courageous leadership the kingdom would have been consumed in the crisis.
While decrying the violence that greeted the kingdom, he stated that Abonnema had always been known to him as peaceful, friendly and developed, recalling his 1957 visit to the city where he saw an operational seaport and several companies scattered in the area.
Responding, the Amanyanabo of Abonnema commended the Ogu Divisional Council of Chiefs for their solidarity visit to Abonnema, adding that a true friend is one who sticks close in time of great need.
He noted that Amanayanabo of Ogu was among the first set of monarchs in the state who called and encouraged him with prayers during the crisis.
The Amanyanabo of Abonnema, while describing the visit as a reunion between two sister Ijaw ethnic nationalities, added that such sustained collaborations among the Kalabari and Okrika people would be mutually beneficial.
