The executive governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that he is a full-blooded Ijaw, contrary to speculations that he is not a complete Ijaw.
Fubara made the pronouncement yesterday while receiving the Kalabari traditional institution, Kalabari Se Kobiri, who came to formally inform him about the demise of the Amanyanabo of Kalabari Kingdom, late King Theophilus Princewill, at Government House in Port Harcourt.
The Kalabari Se Kobiri was headed by Chief Charles Numbere, Regent of Kalabari Kingdom, and Prince Tonye Princewill, Chairman of the Central Working Committee for the late monarch’s burial.
The governor said, “Let me say, I am happy that the media is here. There have been speculations everywhere that Fubara is not a complete Ijaw.
“The truth is that Ijaw is not complete without Opobo. You can’t talk about Ijaw’s struggle without the Opobo and Kalabari. For the records, I am full-blooded Ijaw, up to my bones.”
He praised the late King Amachree as one of the leaders who can always tell the truth, no matter whose ox is gored, and said his demeanor was a symbol of pure Ijaw.
Fubara, who praised the Central Working Committee for its efforts thus far, urged Kalabari leaders to band together to secure the late monarch’s successful transition.
Earlier in his statement, Chief Charles Numbere, Regent of Kalabari Kingdom, stated that the purpose of the visit was to formally inform the governor that the late traditional ruler would be buried on November 30, 2023.
Numbere said: “You already know that your and our father, King Professor Theophilus Princewill, the Amanyanabo of Kalabari, has joined his ancestors.
“We came to tell you firsthand, as tradition demands, that King Professor Theophilus Princewill, Amanyanabo of Kalabari, will be laid to rest on November 30, 2023.
“We pray for you to be available on November 30, 2023, in Buguma City, not just to grace the occasion but to lead the funeral.”
