Hundreds of indigenes of Bakana community in the Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State were jubilating and dancing on Monday as an Appeal Court sitting in Port Harcourt re-affirmed His Royal Highness King O. O. Odum VIII as the authentic Amanyanabo of Bakana.
Some groups namely: Odum Royal Youths of Bakana, Bakana Interest Group, Obama Vanguard, Ijaw Youths Council, Bakana Chapters and Bakana CDC were also in the jubilation mood.
The groups collectively felicitated with the king for his victory at the Appeal Court describing it as a right step in the right direction.
Addressing newsmen, the Bakana monarch said that the Appeal Court judgment will put to an end all kingship tussles in the community. O.O. Odum VIII thanked God for the victory adding his reign will bring development to the Bakana community.
The paramount ruler appealed to all and sundry to join hands with him to give Bakana a face lift. He pleaded with all opponents to shealth their swords and see the judgment as an act of God Almighty and a victory to the community.
The Amanyanabo lauded Governor Nyesom Wike for his developmental strides. O. O. Odum VIII earlier stated that his victory is not politically motivated but a traditional matter, which the court has granted him.
Meanwhile youths and other social groups have thrown their weight behind the king of Bakana. They promised to give him all necessary support and further promised to maintain peace in the community.
The groups assured the king that no youth of Bakana will be involved in crime, violence and cultism.
They called for security presence, such as police, NNS pathfinders and 2nd Amphibious Brigade.
They expressed optimism that Odum’s reign will usher in the needed development and thanked the Deputy Governor, Dr. Ipalibo Banigo for her motherly advise. ###
