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… As Abuloma People Wait in Eager Anticipation
By Gogo Ada Rufus Mbere
The recent historic visit by His Royal Highness Brigadier General Bright Ateke Fiboinumama (rtd), paramount ruler of Abuloma Kingdom and his entourage to the Rivers State Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Barrister Elokka Tasie Amadi on August 18, 2020 has re-ignited fresh hopes of government wading into the protracted delay in pronouncing the governmental staff of office and certification of the Abuloma Stool with corollary upgrade as necessitated and evidently proven by Abuloma’s prepossessing antecedents and sterling credentials to say the least.
It bears recalling at the epoch making courtesy visit of His Royal Highness, Brigadier General Bright Ateke Fiboinumama (rtd), that incontrovertible and easily verifiable facts and documents were presented to the honourable commissioner holistically endorsing the bona fides of the propriety and necessity of government pronouncing the staff of office, certify the Abuloma Stool and upgrade it to its rightful status without much ado.
It might surprise the discerning reader that in terms of numerical support in voting strength, it is on record that Abuloma’s Ward 20 is the second largest in the country, just behind Ikeja.
It is an unalloyed indubitable fact that Abuloma community has been very supportive of government’s ideas, initiatives and programmes despite the reluctance of government to recognize its ancient stool.
The good people of Abuloma are aware of the crowded itinerary of the amiable and goal-oriented ‘Mr. Project’ whose sterling exploits in infrastructural development and urban renewal is basically second to none in this country. Also legendary is the propensity of Chief Barrister Nyesom Wike to match his words with requisite action. In tandem with this coterie of populist appeal is that innate propensity and proclivity of His Excellency Chief Barrister Nyesom E. Wike to connect and keep in touch with the people of the state on matters deserving his attention and perusal.
It is in the light of his people-centred nature and the capacity of not allowing the glitz and glamour of compassion and consideration, that we, the people of Abuloma are appealing to His Excellency, Chief Barrister Nyesom Ezenwo Wike to graciously consider the recognition and classification of the Abuloma Stool and also graciously upgrade it to a higher status.
At the well attended courtesy visit, HRH, Brigadier General Bright Ateke Fiboinumama (rtd), presented very prepossessing and convincing instruments to the admiration of the Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Barrister Elokka Tasie Amadi.
Prominent amongst the instruments presented, Inter alia, were:
1. Degema Proving (Degema Division) Bonny County Council (Establishment) Instrument, 1961 (Cap 79) pages 3589, and 3613 to 3614 wherein Abuloma is clearly mentioned as an existing Local Council before independence of Nigeria in 1960.
2. Rivers State Chieftaincy laws Chapter 25 1978 page 250 where the Abuloma stool was classified 3rd class.
3. Rivers State Official Gazette of 25th August, 1983 No. 16 Vol. 15 showing Urban Council Areas and Abuloma clearly shown as headquarters of Trans-Amadi Urban.
4. Rivers State Official Gazette dated 13th June, 1985 No. 22 Vol. 17 stating clearly the Abuloma District alongside, Diobu, Woji, Obio and Port Harcourt Municipality.
5. Rivers State Traditional Rulers Law No. 4 of 2015 passed by the Rivers State House of Assembly and signed into law by the current governor dated 7th August, 2015 also, recognizing the 3rd Class Traditional Stool of Abuloma.
6. Letter from Johnson T.O. Ugboduma & Co. (our attorney) requesting for presentation for recognition of the traditional stool of Abuloma Kingdom.
In his response during the visit, the honourable commissioner for Chieftaincy and community Affairs, Barr. Elokka Tasie Amadi promised to present the matter to the governor, saying that the instruments presented by the Abuloma Kingdom are factual with full merits.
Having taken due requisite cognizance of the full assurance of the honourable commissioner to present the request of Abuloma Kingdom to His Excellency, Chief Barrister Nyesom E. Wike, we the good people of Abuloma community most respectfully importune our people-centered governor to give government recognition, classification of the ancient Abuloma Stool and upgrade it to a befitting status.
Gogo Ada Rufus Mbere is a Port Harcourt based media consultant
