Oh! Good old Sokonte!

Enemi Alabo George wrote:

I read with utter dismay and disappointment the release made by Sokonte Davies, claiming that the Civic Reception in honour of H.E. Nyesom Ezenwo Wike is organized by the Peoples Democratic Party for the Peoples Democratic Party. Coming from a 60 years old man who a lot of us should look up to, I must say this is gruesomely disappointing.

I am Chairman of the Publicity sub-committee, so I find it pertinent to respond to these issues raised.

My brother Sokonte’s assertion is a huge lie. The Kalabari Civic Reception was carefully thought out by the traditional institution of the Kalabari kingdom in appreciation for the Governor’s love for the Kalabari people and his development efforts in the Kalabari kingdom, especially the Trans-Kalabari road project.

The Kalabari people have for so many years yearned for, solicited for, and anticipated the Trans-Kalabari road project. Even when the Governor promised to begin the project, nay sayers like Sokonte Davies said it was impossible. Eventually the Governor awarded the project and provided a funding structure that will see to the completion of the project.

This is in addition to many other projects such as the Abalama sandfilling and reclamation project, the reconstruction of Kalabari Girls high School in Buguma, the Buguma General Hospital, the Degema General Hospital, the Abonemma Ring Road, the naming of the Dr. Nabo Graham Douglas Campus of Law School, construction of three world class community secondary schools of Obama, Tombia and Obuama and much more.

Other administrations promised the Trans-Kalabari road but could not deliver. Nyesom Wike came and delivered on his promise. When completed, this road will tremendously open up the Kalabari ecosystem to a vista of opportunities especially in agriculture, commerce and transportation.

For this and much more, the traditional institution felt we should thank and appreciate the Governor. In fact, the letter conveying this information to the Governor was signed by Government recognized traditional rulers from the three Local Governments that make up the Kalabari kingdom.

The traditional rulers approached leaders and stakeholders of the Kalabari kingdom. We were randomly chosen as a committee to plan this event. Of course, you do not expect our chiefs and kings to do the leg work.

The traditional rulers left strict instructions that this was a pan-Kalabari affair and not a political affair. This is what in fact influenced the choice of Abalama community as the venue. Kalabaris converge at Abalama whenever strong and earth moving decisions and events are to happen. It is sometimes referred to as the Geneva of the Kalabari kingdom.

This was why invitations were extended to all and sundry including Sokonte Davies. I personally dispatched Sokonte’s information/invitation letter, which he received and sent apologies saying he would not make it due to his boss’ turbaning event in Daura. Same was communicated to the committee. Other APC stalwarts were invited. Some promised to attend, while some gave reasonable excuses, especially the event in Daura.

I was shocked, embarrassed and disappointed to read such a comment from a 60 years old man who should be one of the leading lights of the Kalabari kingdom. This is really shameful.

I think Sokonte Davies should apologize to our Kings and Traditional Rulers and to the entire Kalabari kingdom.