Posted by By Ogbologwung Gabriel on
The Amanyanabo of Kalabari, His Majesty King Prof. T. J. T. Princewill, Amachree XI has yesterday 25th January 2005 inaugurated the proposed Kalabari Unity Advisory Committee (KUAC).
The Amanyanabo of Kalabari, His Majesty King Prof. T. J. T. Princewill, Amachree XI has yesterday 25th January 2005 inaugurated the proposed Kalabari Unity Advisory Committee (KUAC).
The event, which took place at the Conference Hall of the Presidential Hotel, Port Harcourt was billed to start at 3 p.m. but actually kicked off at exactly 3: 45 p.m. as some of the nominees to the committee were being expected.
The personalities selected to serve in the committee, said to be the first in its kind in the annals of Kalabari's existence, according to a release sent to The Telegraph are chosen based on their achievements till date, and their contributions to the Kalabari Kingdom.
The terms of reference given to the 31 persons extracted from the Kalabari elitists group include, first, the presentation of practical proposals for the immediate convocation of a Kalabari Unity Conference to include all the 33 communities in the Kalabari Kingdom.
The second is for the committee to make recommendations on the upcoming National Dialogue/ Conference with a view to presenting a cohesive agenda for Kalabari.
Three, to prescribe effective solutions to ensuring the increase and equitable distribution of opportunities from employment to empowerment and development in all spheres of endeavour for the Kalabari people.
Finally, the Amanyanabo who charged the committee to take her job most seriously said the committee is expected to report back to him in a time frame not later than four weeks from the date of their commencement of duties.
Those constituted into the committee are: Justice Karibi Whyte, Chiefs A.K. Horsfall, O.C. Harry, O.K.Isokariary, O.B. Lulu-Briggs, T. O. G. Graham Douglas, Sara Igbe, Professors Nimi Briggs, V.O.T.Omuaru and Senator Martyns Yellowe. Others include Alhaji Asari Dokubo, Mr Opunabo Inko-Taria, Dr (Mrs.) Doris Fisher, Mrs. Nemi Tom Manuel, Mrs. Mcdonald, Mrs. Samba Douglas, Charles Harry, Senibo Princewill, Dr A. A. Amakiri, Bishop Fyneface, Hon. Araloye Brown, Hon.Toni Philemore and Tammy Danagogo. Other personalities also named in the committee are: chiefs Betterland Davies, Black Iwerima, O. O. Oruye, Walter Akpana, Chief (Capt) I. Briade (rtd), Chief Dr Sage Ikiriko and chief Dr. Mclayton.
Shortly after inauguration, the committee went into a session of meeting, where they started brainstorming on the ways to going about the onerous assignment entrusted on them.
Although, both the inauguration conducted by the Amanyanabo who left immediately afterwards, and the first committee meeting which took effect immediately were conveyed in Kalabari mother tongue, our man Gabriel Ogbologwung reports that the spirit of reunion was radiant on the faces of members as the debate and dialogue which ensued were done in the most civilized manners, indicative of a people ready to look inwards and then forge ahead.
Out of the 31 persons constituted into the committee, 21 were actually present, while 10 were conspicuously absent.
Alhaji Asari Dokubo, who of recent has beamed the name of the Kalabari kingdom more on the Nigerian nation, was not present and his absence was excused as he was said not to be back from Mecca, where he went for the Muslim's Hajj, while Dr Mrs. Doris Fisher is reported to be abroad days behind. The two members of the apex of the academia, Professors Briggs and Omuari were not also present.
The same holds sway with the Senator representing the South West Senatorial District, Senator Martyns Yellowe, Charles Harry and Alabo Graham Douglas as well as the Publisher of the Hard Truth newspaper, Opunabo Inko-Taria.
Their absence, however, could not be traced to any ill motive as many who spoke with this publication attributed most of them to busy schedules on their personal endeavours and short notice.
Starting its inaugural meeting with a greater number of persons in attendance, the committee is seen to have kicked off in earnest and hope is consequently higher.