Some Chiefs of Abonnema Community in the Akuku-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State have tongue lashed Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi for what they call “deceit and insincerity”, saying that the governor had dribbled the Chiefs and the people of the area of his promise to upgrade the prestigious and the ancient Owukori kingship stool to a first class traditional chieftaincy stool. The governor who made this promise at the thanksgiving ceremony organized in the honour of the Amayanabo of Abonnema, HRH King Disrael Gbobo Bob-Manuel, Owukori VIII at the community square, Abonnema.
The governor said in his speech that he would consult with some prominent indigenes of the Kalabari kingdom to seek their opinion whether or not to upgrade the kingship stool of Abonnema to a first (1st) class. The governor further told the people of Abonnema that, the consultation would last for a period of one month which will lapse ending of June, 2014.
Chiefs who spoke to our correspondent in Akulga alleged that two (2) months after the promise the governor has not done anything. They lampooned Governor Amaechi for deceiving the people of Abonnema, saying that it is better to say the true than to deceive the entire community.
“That promise is an attempt to lure us to support the All Progressives Congress, APC. We cannot support Amaechi and his APC group. Abonnema community belongs to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Let him go with his first (1st) class Chieftaincy award”, one of the chiefs who pleaded for anonymity said.
According to him, the people of Abonnema are not happy with the Governor with his attitude.
“Abonnema is an ancient community. We don’t want anybody to come and deceive us here. Anybody in the government should be truthful. Two months after the promise of upgrading the kingship stool of Abonnema to first (1st) class, we are still waiting and there is no sign that it will work out. Governor Amaechi should stop deceiving us as responsible people”, the Chief concluded. ###
