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Odili Extends Olive Branch to Kalabari Ibi Kobiri By
The Rivers State governor, Dr. Peter Odili made moves to dialogue with the leaders of the Kalabari Ibi Kobiri. By the intervention of the Amadabo of Bakana, peace was brokered with both parties making newspaper, radio and television announcements of the outcome. Below is the statement from the Kalabari Ibi Kobiri. By the esteemed initiative of our royal father, HRH Keagan Braise, traditional ruler of Bakana and the surviving monarch of the Kalabari kingdom, the leadership of the Kalabari Ibi Kobiri (KIK - AMAIBI) has resolved through dialogue with His Excellency, Sir Peter Odili, Governor of Rivers State, the differences between the KIK-AMAIBI and the Rivers State government. The discussions which centered around the issues that led to the aborting of the Kalabari Unity Rally of 30th December, 2000 carefully reviewed all aspects of the matter and came to the conclusion that contrary to the view held earlier, the governor could not be directly held responsible for the cancellation of the rally. Rather, His Excellency expresses dismay that the prompt directive which he had given, to forestall possible disruption of the rally when he became aware of a threat, had not as expected, been communicated to the appropriate authorities, due to a breakdown along the lines of communication. While expressing his sympathy with the Kalabari people for the unfortunate development, the governor commended the leadership of the KIK-AMAIBI for their mature handling of the situation, which ended without resort to violence or bloodshed. The governor once more used the occasion to dispel any rumours or fears that he harbours any dislike or ill-will towards the Kalabari people. Indeed, nothing can be further from the truth since he has been and remains a true friend of the Kalabaris. The KIK-AMAIBI leadership, while acknowledging the governor's kind sentiments, assured him that the KIK_AMAIBI has not and will not be a partisan political organ and has never been and will not be in any manner openly or surreptitiously against the State or the Federal Government and will continue to be law abiding. While accepting the views of the KIK-AMAIBI leadership, the governor assured them that he has never personally or officially regarded KIK-AMAIBI as an anti-government organisation, considering the well established track records of the responsible persons that constitute its leadership. On a truly happy note, the parties regard the event of 30th December 2000 as an unfortunate hiccup which must not be allowed to harm the good and friendly relationship between the Kalabari people and the government on the one hand and especially between the KIK-AMAIBI leadership and His Excellency. It was agreed that having declared the dispute over and dead, every practical step must now be taken to restore confidence and demonstrate the goodwill that continues to exist between the governor and the people of the Kalabari kingdom. As a first step in the demonstration of his goodwill, the governor has decided to make practical contribution to the positive developmental work of KIK-AMAIBI in an appropriate manner.
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