MICHAEL AKINOLA
The President General of Orashi National Congress, the foremost Socioeconomic, political and advocacy Orashi group, has appealed to the Executive Governor of Rivers State, Barr. Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, to save Ekpeye from looming crisis and give formal government recognition/staff of office to the Eze Ekpeye Logbo III, Eze Kelvin Ngozi Anugwo, following his emergence and subsequent coronation as the king of Ekpeye Land.
It would be recalled that the election of Eze Ekpeye Logbo III started when Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, at a function, advised the people of Ekpeye to elect their next king following the death and burial of Eze Ekpeye Logbo II, His Imperial Majesty, Eze Flt Lt Robinson O. Robinson.
Ekpeye People, in heeding to the advice of the Governor, their son-in-law, organised an electoral planning committee which conducted an election that produced Eze Kelvin Anugwo as the Eze Ekpeye Logbo III.
It is however, very disturbing that the Eze Ekpeye Logbo, His Imperial Majesty, Eze Kelvin Anugwo, is yet to be officially recognized by the State Government.
Most Snr. Comrade Emeni Ibe, who doubles as the National President Southern Youth Foundation of Nigeria, acknowledged the laudable achievements of the revered King of Ekpeye Land especially when he assumed the traditional leadership of Ekpeye Land after his coronation, while navigating the ship of leadership till the recent ravaging flood in Ekpeye, which is a case study.
Most concerned Ekpeye people are however, worried that despite his traditional leadership prowess, not giving him recognition and staff of office by the State Government could hinder him from performing optimally.
The most worrisome is the current insecurity that is raising its ugly head in Ekpeye land hence the call on government to recognize Eze Kelvin Anugwo so that nothing will impede him from performing his roles as the Eze Ekpeye Logbo of Ekpeye Land.
More importantly is the fact that the people of Ekpeye Ethnic Nationality are comfortable with his leadership so far.