Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike has declared that the state government has earmarked several developmental projects for the people of Bonny Kingdom in the 2017 budget.
He also promised to support the Amanyanabo of Grand Bonny Kingdom in his bid to transform and modernize the kingdom.
Governor Wike spoke on Wednesday during the 20th coronation anniversary of the Natural Ruler and Amanyanabo of Grand Bonny Kingdom, King Edward Asimini William Dappa Pepple III, Perekule the XI in Bonny Local Government Area.
The Governor noted that his support for the Amanyanabo was borne out of the relative peace the Monarch has brought to the Kingdom.
He stated that he would also assist the Bonny Security Committee set up by the Amanyanabo with the sum of 50 Million Naira for the improvement of security in the area.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Kenneth Kobani, Governor Wike also noted government’s enormous contributions and support to security agencies to fight crime and criminality, particularly in the area of provision of gunboats to Police in the high sea and check the criminal activities of sea pirates.
“In the 2017 budget, government has a lot of projects to be executed for this community. I have no reason to apologize to anybody for supporting Bonny, because the support I received from the people of Bonny and the Amanyanabo in particular, means that there is nothing I cannot do for you.
“Government intends to support you robustly in everything you are doing in Bonny Kingdom. The reason is simple, you have kept the peace. Bonny has been an Island of peace in recent times without problems in many places and you have not disappointed us.
“I will particularly support your quest for a new and loving Bonny. What this means is that Bonny needs to be transformed and modernized in future “, the Governor said.
He eulogised the Amanyanabo for his 20 years coronation anniversary, saying his service to humanity is appreciated.
“You have steadfastly preached the message of peace and for that reason, I will like to thank you and the good people of Bonny. Twenty years on the throne is not a joke, particularly when we know how it all started. It is the will of the Almighty God that you will be on the throne”, he said.
In his speech, the Natural Ruler and Amanyanabo of Grand Bonny Kingdom, King Edward Asimini William, thanked the people of Bonny for the love, loyalty and support accorded him in the last 20 years.
He sued for unity, peace and togetherness among the people in order to sustain the gains recorded over the years and promised not to disappoint them.
Highpoint of the event was the conferment of an award of excellence on the Governor.
The representative of the Governor was accompanied to the celebration by former governor of the state, Sir. Celestine Omehia, former Acting National Chairman of the PDP, Prince Uche Secondus and former Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Austin Opara.
