Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has asserted that he is a true Ijaw son adding that his Opobo people from Rivers state belong to the Ijaw ethnic nationality.
Fubara disclosed this while speaking when he met with the Regent, and other representatives of Kalabari Se Kobiri at Government House, Port Harcourt on Friday.
He dispelled the insinuations describing him as a non Ijaw, arguing that the Opobo people are integral part of the history of the Ijaw struggle.
He said persons doubting his Ijaw origin were bereft of the history of the struggle that made Ijaw a reputable class of people.
The Governor sais, “So, whoever is feeding you with that information, should go back to their history classes. You cannot talk about the Ijaw struggle without the Opobo, the Bonny, and the Kalabari.
“We had our trade lines at that time and for you to occupy a trade line, it means you are a true Ijaw man. So, for the records, I am a full blooded, up to my bones, an Ijaw man.”
Fubara said Ijaw people are bold, courageous and forthright noting that despite being subjected to inhuman treatment, Ijaw refused to succumb to be traded as slaves.
He explained further that only the will of God would prevails in every circumstance whether good or bad, winning or failing.
The Governor who condoled with the Kalabari people over the demise of their monarch, late King Theophilus J.T. Princewill, gave the assurance that the state government would fully participate in the burial activities.
He called on the people to put their differences aside and unite to give the late king a befitting burial.
Speaking, the regent of Kalabari kingdom, Dr. Charles Numbere Princewill said they visited to notify the governor that Theophilus J.T. Princewill, Amachree XI, The Amanyanabo and Natural Ruler of the Kalabari Kingdom was dead and to formally invite him to attend the funeral.
He appreciated the governor for the support already given to them and solicited for more.
On his part, Secretary to the Rivers State Government, Dr. Tammy Danagogo, stressed that Fubara had shown much love towards the Kalabari people and was committed to giving befitting burial to their late Amanyanabo.
