Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has declared that he is a full-blooded Ijaw, contrary to speculations.
Fubara made the declaration on Friday when he received the Kalabari traditional institution, Kalabari Se Kobiri, which came to formally inform him about the death of the Amanyanabo of Kalabari Kingdom, King Theophilus Princewill, at Government House, Port Harcourt.
The Kalabari Se Kobiri was led by the Regent of Kalabari Kingdom, Chief Charles Numbere, and Chairman of the Central Working Committee for the late monarch’s burial, Prince Tonye Princewill.
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 struggle without the Opobo and Kalabari. For the records, I am full-blooded Ijaw, up to my bones.”
He described the late King Amachree as one of the leaders who could speak the truth to power, no matter whose ox is gored.
He said his disposition was a symbol of true Ijaw.
Fubara, who applauded the Central Working Committee for a job well done so far, called on Kalabari leaders to come together to ensure a successful transition for the late monarch.
Earlier in his speech, Regent of Kalabari Kingdom, Chief Charles Numbere, said the aim 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 first hand, as tradition demands, that King Professor Theophilus Princewill, Amanyanabo of Kalabari will be laid to rest on November 30, 2023. We pray you to be available on November 30, 2023 at Buguma City, not just to grace the occasion, but to lead the funeral.”
