Ahead of the scheduled burial on November 29-30 for the late Monarch of the Kalabari Kingdom, Prof TJT Princewill, Amachree XI, Senate President Godswill Akpabio has affirmed that the Red Chamber will bestow upon the late Monarch “the honour that he deserves, even in death.”
Akpabio made this commitment over the weekend during a meeting with the Chairman of the Burial Planning Committee, Prince Tonye Princewill, the only child of the late King, at Akpabio’s residence in Abuja.
Akpabio, reflecting on his time as the Governor of Akwa Ibom state and his positive memories from Port-Harcourt, expressed his familiarity with the Kalabaris. He asserted that a man of the King’s pedigree deserves a fitting burial. He stated, “I was tutored in Port-Harcourt; I am from the Niger Delta region. As a former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, I can tell you, this King deserves a befitting burial.” Akpabio assured that members of the National Assembly would pay their last respects on the floor of the Chambers, and some, including himself, would attend the burial.
In his opening speech, the Chairman of the Burial Committee conveyed the purpose of the delegation to formally inform the Senate President of the late Monarch’s passing.
He acknowledged that Akpabio might already be aware of the king’s departure but deemed it respectful to brief him on the funeral rites personally.
A member of the delegation, His Highness Anabs Sara-Igbe of Kula, expressed gratitude for the warm reception and highlighted the historical ties between Akwa Ibom and Rivers States. He emphasized the need for the Senate President to attend the funeral in person, referring to him as a one-time full-fledged “Port-Harcourt boy.”
Chief David Briggs appreciated the Senate President for receiving the delegation without notice and thanked him for the promises made. He assured Akpabio that they would convey the information to their people.
Paying tribute to the late King during the burial planning committee’s visit, Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, described the demise of the King of Kalabari kingdom as a great loss that has left behind a significant gap.
Although admitting that he was not close to the King, Ogiame Atuwatse III pledged to send a delegation to give the Kalabari King a befitting farewell.
The Chairman of the Burial Committee, Prince Tonye Princewill, briefed the Olu on all the funeral rites.
He mentioned that the delegation visited the Olu’s office in Abuja to personally and formally invite him as a mark of respect, acknowledging cultural restrictions that might prevent his attendance but emphasizing that the presence of the Itsekiri ethnic nationality would be a strong signal.
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