The Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, Ambassador Chijioke Ihunwo wants Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief (Barr) Ezebunwo Nyesom Wike to apologise to the reinstated paramount ruler of Rumuepirikom Community in Obio/Akpor LGA, Eze Anthony Owabie.
Recall that Eze Owabie, was dethroned by Wike during his tenure as governor of the state, but was recently reinstated by Governor Siminalayi Fubara as the rightful paramount ruler of the community.
The Council chairman, who urged the FCT Minister to render the apology when he visited the palace of the paramount ruler to congratulate him on his reinstatement also said that Governor Fubara has corrected the unjust treatment meted on Owabie.
He alleged that the monarch was sacked by Wike for political reasons and replaced by his ally and thanked the governor for coming to the aid of the community, describing Gov Fubara as a just and fair ruler who would not associate with illegality.
Ihunwo therefore urged Rumuepirikon people to join forces with Owabie to enthrone development in the community. “As people of Obio/Akpor local government, we are very happy with His Excellency, the governor of Rivers state, Sir Siminalayi Fubara for coming to the aid of Rumuepirikom people by reinstating Eze Anthony Owabie as the Nyewe-Eli and paramount ruler of Rumuepirikom kingdom.
“Nigerians are all aware of what happened more than eight years ago when Eze Anthony Owabie was dethroned by the former governor of Rivers state, Chief Nyesom Ezenwo Wike who is also from this community, but governor Fubara has seen reasons to restore his mandate immediately and we are happy.
“As of today, he is the only paramount ruler in Rumuepirikom recognised by the Rivers State government, so I want to advise the other person who was politically holding that position to come back and work with the original owner of the throne, Eze Anthony Owabie for the peace, growth and development of the community.”
He however appealed to the royal father to forgive the FCT minister and all his adversaries now that God has used Governor Fubara to restore his throne.
“Eze Anthony Owabie is the Royal Highness and will remain so till God calls him, we are politicians, we will finish our tenure and go, so no matter the position you hold, come back to your paramount ruler because he is the custodian of the land.”
“I want to advise the FCT minister, Chief Nyesom Ezenwo Wike to come back and apologise to His Royal Highness, Eze Anthony Owabie for forgiveness, that is the only way the gods of the land can forgive him. HRH Eze Barry-Opara Owabie should also tender his apology for holding the office illegally.”
In his remarks, the Nyenwe-Eli and paramount ruler of Rumuepirikom, Eze Anthony Owabie, who spoke through his eldest son, Prince Bright thanked Governor Siminalayi Fubara for coming to his rescue and said the family was in a joyous mood.
“Not just our immediate family but the entire community, that is why you are seeing this crowd.The Rumuepirikom community is very happy and thankful to His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara for this reinstatement.”
