The paramount ruler of Ulakwo Umuselem Kingdom, Etche, in Etche LGA of Rivers State, HRH Eze Dr. Ken O. Nwala (Onye Ishi Agwuru 111), has on Sunday, 23rd of June, 2024, received the Exco and members of Rivers State Independent Newspaper Publishers Association (RIVPA), who paid him a courtesy visit in his palace, at Ulakwo Umuselem Kingdom.
Presenting her address, Hon. Gloria Boma Harry, Chairman, Rivers State Independent Newspaper Publishers Association (RIVPA), commended HRH Eze Ken O. Nwala, for his effort in ensuring the return of peace and security in Etche land.
She further noted that Etche, formerly known as a place of kidnapping and other social vices, is now known as a place of hospitality and home for estate developers, adding that the essence of the visit was to commend the traditional ruler in his peace and stability efforts, as well as to request for his partnership on the activities of his kingdom.
Sand Mining Site At Chokoco Bridge
According to Hon. Harry: “I want to sincerely thank you on behalf of RIVPA members for the opportunity of this visit, within a shortest notice. You are the first traditional ruler to be paid a courtesy visit by RIVPA, having heard of your efforts in ensuring peace, unity and stability in your kingdom and the entire Etche land.
“You have known Mr. Blaise, who is our Organizing Secretary for more than 20 years and Mr. Kanayo, according to you, but we would like you to extend that relationship to other members of RIVPA, who are publishers in their respective media houses, so that we can give robust reportage to the activities in your kingdom, going forward.” Hon. Harry stated.
Responding, HRH Eze Dr. Ken Nwala, thanked RIVPA members for the honour done to him and promised to collaborate with the association, adding: “I am happy that those who reported Etche as kidnappers zone are today saying that Etche is peaceful and no longer kidnappers zone, but now an investment hub for estate developers, among others.
“You just said that I am the first traditional ruler to be paid a courtesy visit by your association. I didn’t bribe you for the courtesy visit or the statement you made. Report on any ugly incident goes faster than when the right things are done. I am glad that you acknowledged the peace and development that are currently taking place in Etche land.
“That doesn’t suggest that we don’t have pockets of issues in one of the communities in Etche, but we are taking decisive actions against such development. We are now in a situation where if you leave something behind now, you can come back after days to take it back.”
“Let me thank the Executive Governor of our dear state, Sir Siminalayi Fubara for the kind respect he accorded to traditional rulers, during our recent meeting with him, and as well, use the medium to draw the attention of relevant government agencies to the sand mining activities that are currently taking place at Chokoco Bridge in Etche. If the activities are not properly or quickly checked, it may lead to the collapse of the bridge in the next 5 to 10 years,” Eze Nwala opined.
The traditional ruler in the meantime, called on the federal government to urgently look into the high cost of living in the country, adding that Nigerians are no longer finding life easy.
Eze Nwala further advised the federal government to take urgent steps to alleviate the suffering and hunger that are currently going on in the country, pointing out that the ugly development, if not urgently looked into, may get to a situation where the government can’t be able to handle.
The duo of Chief Festus Emewhuru, RIVPA member and Mr. Austin Tanee, RIVPA Secretary in their respective responses, urged HRH Eze Dr. Nwala to continue in his commitment and selfless service to the people of his kingdom and the entire Etche land.
Recall that HRH Eze Dr. Ken Nwala is the Security Committee Chairman in Etche, Etche LGA of Rivers State.
