Deceptive Succession In R/S: Kalabaris Can No Longer Be Fooled—Sobomabo Jackrich

Kalabari socio cultural organization, Kengema Unity Forum has said the Riverine Ijaws especially the Kalabaris would no longer be fooled by deceptive system of succession devised by the upland Riverine aimed at persistently foisting themselves on the people and leadership of the state.

KUF founder and leader, Amb. Sobomabo Jackrich made this declaration at an event to mark the official launching of Kengema Unity Forum held at the Ido school field in Buguma, Asari Toru Local Government area of Rivers state.

He said the people has come to that cross road and can no longer continue to swallow hook, line and sinker tactics devised by some upland ethnic group to consistently produce governor in the last 16 years, with attempts seriously ongoing to extend it further.

According to the KUF leader, 'Kalabaris are more united, focused and overtly determined to explore all peaceful entreaties to actualize the Kalabari project'. He said the Kalabaris have made mistake in the past, working against their brothers, notably Ebenezer Isokariari and Bekinbo Soberekon who were betrayed by their kinsmen. However, he said never again shall that happen, 'gone are the days the Kalabaris sell their right for a plate of porridge because we are more focused, highly motivated and ever resolved through the instrumentality of the Kengema Unity Forum to unite the Kalabaris and take our pride of place'.

'We have witnessed Dr Peter Odili an upland from the Orashi region emerge and ruled for eight years, he allegedly had a running battle with Chibuike Amaechi the then supposed anointed and had to hand over to another upland from the Ikwerre ethnic extract, Sir Celestine Omehia. However, just like a carefully orchestrated plan Celestine Omehia had a row with Amaechi and was eventually deposed by the said Amaechi still an upland of Ikwerre extract who presently is about completing his eight year term.

He said what is most worrisome is that Amaechi is now having a running battle with his once most trusted ally and Chief of Staff, Chief Nyesome Wike, an upland man still from Ikwerre who has openly declared his interest to run for the coveted governorship position, this is not right, it is unacceptable and must be discouraged' he said..

Egberipapa as he is fondly referred to who was vividly obsessed with the perceived grand design by the Ikwerres to continue to perpetuate themselves in power said enough is enough! According to him, 'why should there be a consistent change of baton among kinsmen from same ethnic extract in a state with multi dimensional diversity? Where does that leave the Kalabaris who have contributed both human and material resources in the socio-political development of Rivers state' he asked, adding that the Kalabaris has supported other ethnic groups to emerge as Governor right from the times of Governor Melford Okilo to date hence they deserve the support of others to also taste that coveted seat.

Jackrich who is also the Director General of Network for the Defense of Democracy and Good Governance said in spite of the Kalabari project for Governor, KUF's major primary objective is also to sensitize and mobilize the masses for the re-emergence of President Jonathan. According to him, Jonathan is the best candidate among the retinue of candidates vying for that position. He said the President's transformation agenda has brought in a lot of growth and transformed virtually all sectors of the economy hence he should be allowed to complete his good work like others.

The event also had in attendance Chief Sara Igbe who corroborated the call for kalabari Governor, he challenged the likes of Dr Peter Odili and Governor Amaechi who are beneficiaries of turn by turn to revert back to the agreement reached on rotational governorship. According to him the agreement reached was to have the ikwerres emerge after the Orashi people. It will be followed by the Kalabaris, then the Ogonis, Ibanis, Etches, Ndoki Asa in that succession. According to hoim, others has benefitted it is only proper that the Kalabaris also take their turn, he said no ethnic group will be allowed to go beyond eight years. Chief Sara Igbe commended Jackrich for embarking on this herculean kalabari project, describing him as the John the Baptist of our time who has conceded so much resources to unite and keep the kalabari dream alive.

In attendance were, Chairman Presidential Task force on Power, Engr. Reynold Bekinbo Dagogo Jack, DG Rivers Peace Restoration Agenda, Chief Elemchukwu Ogbowu, NOSDRA DG Sir Peter C. Idabor, Rep of SA to the President on Niger Delta Affairs, Kingsley Kuku, Aroloteim Brown, representatives of the various of Kalabari clan, women youths groups and other ethnic groups were in attendance.