Jonathan tasks Bayelsa monarch on peace, development

By Samuel Oyadongha, Yenagoa
President Goodluck Jonathan has urged the Amanyanabo of Okpoama Kingdom King Ebitimi Banigo to use his wealth of experience and business connections to spearhead peaceful co-existence and rapid development of the Kingdom and its neighbours.

Dr. Jonathan made the call at the coronation of the monarch at Okpoama in Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

Describing King Banigo as a man of great potentials, the President also called on the people of Okpoama to cooperate with the royal father and stressed the need for them to be at peace with their neighbors at all times to engender sustainable development in the general area.

While congratulating the Amanyanabo on his successful coronation, Dr. Jonathan pledged to support him to move the Kingdom forward.

In his remarks, Governor Seriake Dickson commended the people of Okpoama for their cooperation and peaceful disposition, which he noted, translated to the success of the ceremony.

Represented by his Deputy, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah (Rtd), the governor also urged the new Amanyanabo to promote peace and harmony not only in the Kingdom but the entire State.

Also speaking, the Rivers State Governor, Mr. Rotimi Ameachi lauded the people of Okpoama for choosing Banigo as their traditional ruler even as he expressed hope that the Kingdom would witness more progress under the reign of the new king.

Earlier, the Chairman of Okpoama Kingdom Council of Chiefs, Chief Wapaobinyo Amade-Obasi, noted that the coronation signals a transformation of the Kingdom with its proud heritage into a world class global economy.

In his address, the Amanyanabo of Okpoama, King Ebitimi Banigo pledged to work for the common good of the people.

He noted that the kingdom is poised to provide the enabling environment for well meaning investors to harness its abundant resources with a view to becoming an industrial hub especially in the gas and oil sector.

King Banigo, who saluted the efforts of President Jonathan and governors of flood affected states towards alleviating the sufferings of internally displaced persons, also thanked all those who contributed to the success of the event.

Highpoint of the occasion was the unveiling of the crown by President Jonathan and crowning of the Amanyanabo by the Anglican Bishop of the Niger Delta West Diocese, Rt Rev. Emmanuel Oko-Jaja.