PORT HARCOURT/Nigeria: In a solemn condolence visit, the Ijaw National Congress (INC) has extended its heartfelt tribute to the late King and former member of the Council of Ijaw Traditional Rulers and Elders (CITRE), referring to him as a “rare gem” and an inspiration to many.
The visit, led by the President of INC Worldwide, Prof. Benjamin Ogale Okaba, who was represented by the Chairman of the Eastern Zone of INC, His Royal Majesty, King NLA Iraron, Ede Obolo II, saw the organization praising the late Kalabari-Ijaw Monarch for his significant contributions to the community.
During their visit to the residence of Prince Tonye Princewill, the INC delegation lauded him for establishing a high-powered PAN Ijaw Central Burial Committee to oversee the funeral arrangements for the late King. Nevertheless, they expressed dissatisfaction with the exclusion of INC WORLDWIDE from the burial committee and conveyed their readiness to participate in the process, provided some INC members were included.
The INC delegation emphasized the late King’s significance, describing him as not just a father but a pioneer pillar of INC and a paternal figure to many Ijaw sons and daughters. They asserted that it was the responsibility of the Ijaw National Congress Inc, Worldwide to be actively involved in the burial of the Ijaw Monarch.
In response, Prince Tonye Princewill, the chief mourner and Prince of Kalabari Kingdom and Niger Delta, expressed gratitude to the Ijaw National Congress INC, Worldwide for their condolence visit, which he considered an important gesture for the entire Kalabari People. He also announced the burial dates as November 29th and 30th, 2023, and requested that INC provide three names for formal inclusion in the burial committee.
Princewill urged INC to continue advocating for people-centered policies aimed at uplifting the Ijaw community and others in society, noting that this aligns with the late King’s wishes and that their involvement would honor his memory. He also mentioned that further details about the burial activities would be published by the Central Working Committee and encouraged everyone to spread the word.
The INC delegation included other prominent members, such as the 1st Vice President of INC Worldwide, Mr. Atamuno Atamuno, Engr Onengiye-ofori H. Fenibo, Organizing Secretary of INC Worldwide, Amb. Sowari M. Hart, Vice Chairman of INC Eastern Zone, Somina Wokoma, and President General of Ijaw Wari Worldwide.
