The traditional ruler, and Amanyanabo of Ogu kingdom, Rivers State King Nicholas Dickson Ibiebele Nimenibo, Loko IX has assured the management of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Onne/Ikpokiri port complex and other companies operating within the area of their safety and conducive business environment.
King Ibiebele Nimenibo gave the assurance when the management of the port complex led by its Ports Manager, Alh. Alhassan Ismaila visited him at his Port Harcourt residence palace, on Wednesday.
The Ogu Monarchy opined that since he ascended the throne in 2005, there has been relative peace and reduction in youth restiveness, adding that the existing peace and good relationship between the people of Ogu who are co-host of the Port complex and the management of NPA would be sustained.
The Amanyanabo disclosed that the Federal Government in the 70’s negotiated with the people of Ogu community for the construction of the Port complex and called it Ogu Port which was protested by the people of Onne who shares boundary with them, and that for peace to reign, the Federal Government later called it Federal Ocean Territorial (FOT) Port Harcourt when both communities could not agree to come up with a common name as directed.
“Even the Oil and Gas Free Zone was gazette as Onne/Ikpokiri but strangers and some workers connived with their co-host to remove Ikpokiri which prompted the people of Ogu to go to National Assembly which confirmed that the name still remains Onne/Ikporiki Port complex”, he maintained, pointing out that the right thing should be done in order not to provoke the people of Ogu and deprive them of their right.
The traditional ruler expressed dismay that when people called the Wharf Onne Port rather than the Onne/Ikpokiri Oil and Gas Free Zone, it provoked and disturbed the psychology of the people especially the youth who need fair treatment and equity, and enjoined the Port management and the public to just do the needful for the sake of peace.
King Nimenibo reiterated that equal treatment should be given to the host communities in terms of employment and Corporate Social Responsibility, and further assured that the people of Ogu kingdom would continue to synergize with the Port management for free flow of business activities.
He thanked the Managing Director of NPA, Hadiza Bala Usman for providing sewing machines to the women in the area and promised to deliver them accordingly, describing her as a mother.
Earlier, the Port Manager, Nigeria Port Authority (NPA), Onne/Ikpokiri Port complex, Alhaji Alhassan Ismaila said the visit was to thank the monarch and his people for the cordial relationship and chart a way forward on same issues that would impact positively and attract more inventors to the area.###
