Wike sympathizes with Benue over massacre, insists on restructuring

By Philip Ezuma,  Port Harcourt

Rivers State Governor,  Nyesom Ezenwo Wike affirmss the age long relationship between the people of TIV ethnic nationality and the State emboldens them to support each other, when such situation arises. 

The governor said based on that conviction,  he visited to offer goodwill and supports of other forms to the Benue State Government, when there was massacre of Tiv farmers by fulani herdsmen in that State.

Governor Wike stated this, when he received a delegation of Tiv people living in Rivers State under the aegis of Mdzough U. Tiv who were led by Mr. Caleb Yashi to Government House,  Port Harcourt.

The leadership of Ogbakor Ikwerre Cultural Organisation worldwide accompanied the delegation of the TiV people.

Governor Wike said people of both states also bear similar weight of the several shades of marginalisation meted against minority tribes in the country, which has continued to feel the call for a restructuring of the country.

“I felt that what affects you also affects us. So, when that massacre took place in TiV land,  we believed that anybody in TiV land that dies, an Ikwerre person will have to commiserate with that particular family.  

“That was why  we decided to go and see my colleague and friend the governor. Whatever we did that time, we believed it was because of the strong tie we have together

Addressing the leadership of Ogbakor Ikwerre cultural Organisation Worldwide, Governor Wike urged them to continue to ensure that Ikwerre people work together always. 

Governor Wike said contract for the dualisation of the Eastern Bypass Road has been awarded as part of the urban renewal programme and it is for the people of Ogbunuabali Community to allow the work to extend to their road because of the overall benefit it will attract.

He noted that there is already a resistance from the community, and the leadership of Ogbakor Ikwerre need to talk to them to accept the development that is much better than the more rents they collect from the commercial stores.

Governor Wike also informed that the nearby swamp will be sandfilled to provide a space for the people of Nkpogu community to have their social activities.

Leader of the TiV delegation,  Mr. Caleb Yashi said the Ikwerre and the TiV people have shared common friendship for years, which started when Governor Wike was elected Deputy National President of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) with a Benue man as the President then.

They also noted that besides, the Tiv people were allowed to display their dance during Ogbakor Ikwerre day,  Governor Wike showed enormous love when he visited Governor Samuel Ortom to commiserate with him when herdsmen killed Benue farmers. 

They also appealed to be considered for partnership when the Rivers Cassava Processing Company begins full operation, as farmers who can feed the mills with their produce.

On his part,  the President General of Ogbakor Ikwerre Cultural Orgsnisation worldwide,  Prof.  Emeka Wami said they led the TiV people to Government House to see him because they considered him as a strong voice championing the cause of the minorities in Nigeria.

He particularly commended Governor Wike for the manner he handled the crisis that erupted in Oyigbo Local Government, which was in the best interested of the state and the country.

 





Presentation of award to His Excellency Nyesom  Ezenwo Wike, Governor of Rivers state by the leader of Mzough U Tiv Community in Rivers State Engr. Benjamin Akaakar.

Prof. Emenike Wami President General Ogbakor Ikwerre presents photo album to His Excellency,  Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike of Rivers State.