CHIEF (HON.) ALLWELL HEACHO ONYESO (JP): THE TOAST OF THE MOMENT

Suffice it to say that Chief (Hon.) Allwell Heacho Onyesoh, like the Biblical David, is divinely bedecked to conquer. A painstaking dissection of Chief Allwell Onyesho's existence would leave you with a conclusion of his (Allwell) Messianic inclination. At every endeavour, Chief Onyesoh has always lived selflessly, touching mostly the very needy. For instance, as the Executive Chairman of Rivers State Senior Secondary Schools Board, for the first time in the long history of the state, Chief Allwell Onyesoh, as the proponent, ensured the employment of 13,151 graduate teachers in the State. And this did not only save the public schools from extinction but also ensured that deserving graduates were taken off the unemployment market and put food on their tables.

The tall handsome astute politician is a well respected personality whose political wayfare revolves around the landmarks of variegated history of the state. There will be no gainsaying that a literature of politics in Rivers State would be underdone without proper reference of Allwell's political activism.

Chief Allwell Onyesoh's sapient political permutations have always driven him to victory-laden political associations. As a pan Rivers politician of Etche extraction, and a founding member of PDP at its inception in 1998, Allwell understands the gains of fidelity-in-friendship. For instance, Chief Onyesoh was one of the two longest commissioners that served in the daministration of Sir Dr Peter Odili as Commissioner for Education, and later Sports in a consecution of four years each. This, according to analysts, was a reward for loyalty and fidelity-in-friendship. And this, His Excellency Chief Bar Nyesom Wike spotted and consequent supported his nomination and eventual emergence as the Rivers East Senatorial flagbearer.

Indeed, true to his first name, ALLWELL, his senatorial candidacy has been very well received by all. His acceptance across party lines underscores the reciprocation and testimony of the people towards his benevolence and passion for quality is representation. No wonder he is fondly called the great OCTOPUS.

For the people of Etche nation, the name Chief Bar Nyesom Wike will be engraved in the Etche political lexicon not only for Etche political emancipation and inclusivity in political equation obut also the choice of Chief (Hon.) Allwell Heacho Onyesoh as the toast of the moment. For indeed, it has been the desire and wish of an average Etche man, and incidentally, this is the indubitable translation of his middle name, HEACHO: meaning ones strong desire or appetency. In other words, the Etche people's wish of their fair share at the Red Chambers is coming to reality.

Unarguably, Chief Allwell Heacho Onyeso is a round peg for a round hole, or better still, a square peg for a square hole. He is a man combinedly endowed with resplendent brilliance, magnificent wit and imposing intelligence.

Interestingly, in response to the the question, ONYESOH, which means who is for me or who is following me? The good people of Rivers East Senatorial distict: Emohua, Obio/Apko, Port Harcourt City, Ikwerre, Okrika, Ogu/gbolo, Etche and Omuma) have unanimously answered in affirmative voice that Chief (Hon.) Allwell Heacho Onyesoh is the only candidate to follow. Na who know road we go follow!

Indeed he is a round peg for a round hole

Chief Hon. Allwell Onyesoh JP, PDP Senatorial candidate for Rivers East. Rivers State, Nigeria

Chief Hon. Allwell Onyesoh JP, PDP Senatorial candidate for Rivers East. Rivers State, Nigeria

OPEN LETTER

Amb. Desmond Akawor
Chairman, PDP
Rivers State
Nigeria.

Dear Sir,
INCESSANT INVECTIVES ON GOV. NYESOM WIKE AND THE PDP LEADERSHIP: SANCTION MRS UCHE KEN NDUKWU NOW

It is no longer news that the social media, in the past few days, have been awash with one Mrs Uche Ken Ndukwu's tongue lashing of His Excellency Gov. Nyesom Wike; the PDP leadership, especially the Etche LGA party chairman, Hon. John Otamiri, and a Frontline politician Chief Allwell Onyesoh (JP). Even her successor and follow woman Mrs Gladys Nweke was not spared of the unjustified vilification and name-calling.

Ordinarily such tirades and diatribes from inconsistent character like Mrs Uche Ken Ndukwu ought to be ignored as not to be dragged to her level of parochialistic tendency and naked ignorance. But given the time and implications of this to the aggregate minds of the political gladiators and admirers, it is pertinent to address issues like this head-on in other to nib further occurrence in the bud as a deterrent.

Sir, incontrovertible evidence both audio, video and written forms at different occasions support this petition against the said Mrs Uche Ken Ndukwu's (immediate past Vice chairperson of Etche LGA) overt disdain, recalcitrant and vituperation against the leadership of our great party, PDP. Obviously, this she is doing in other to cause disaffection and disharmony amongst the huge faithfuls and admirers of our performing governor across party lines by setting an agenda of public consideration.

Suffice to say that there is no smoke without fire. Evidence abound of Mrs Ndukwu's unholy romance with the opposition and her clandestine meetings with the enemies of PDP. That she is a mole in the PDP family is not in doubt. Her mission is to pollute the political space with misinformation and propaganda just to massage her opposition friends' ego.

Sir, it is our believe that the likes of Ndukwu must be singled out and sanctioned appropriately as a vicarious punishment. An infested finger must not be allowed to pollute the other ones. The Bible says, cut it off.

Her level of hypocrisy and inconsistency define her as a selfish oriented fair weather fellow. She became a vice chairperson of Etche LGA through the same consensus and harmonization arrangement. Then, heaven did not fall. So why do we have to loose sleep because the tide changed?

Sir, recall that as vice chairperson, the said Mrs Ndukwu took her boss Dr. Hon. Obinna Anyanwu and Elder Prince Emma Anyanwu out for castigation and public reproach. Later on shifted her invective venom to her supposed political mentor, Hon. Ephraim Nwuzi. And we clearly state that Mrs Uche Ken Ndukwu's recent outburst is possibly to atone for her wrongs and appease her APC boss.

It is disheartening that someone's wife and a mother would insult another person's husband and father when she suggestively asked if "Gov. Wike eats through his anus?" amongst other unprintable words. Etche women are not known for use of uncultured words. What a manner of woman is she? Must she insult everybody in the name of politics? Who is her boss? There should be answers to these.

Sir, it is our considered view that Mrs Uche Ken Ndukwu should be investigated dispassionately and sanctioned as not to pollute other minds. This period requires goodwill commentaries on our aspirants/candidates especially the governor who is eyeing the presidency. And until the likes of Mrs Ndukwu is brought to book as a punitive measure, people will not seem to understand the supremacy of party leadership.

We trust in the ability of the party leadership to do the needful as to engender discipline.

Yours faithfully
Nwachineke Chibuike
Co-ordinator, Professionals In Politics (PIP)

OPEN LETTER

Amb. Desmond Akawor
Chairman, PDP
Rivers State
Nigeria.

Dear Sir,
INCESSANT INVECTIVES ON GOV. NYESOM WIKE AND THE PDP LEADERSHIP: SANCTION MRS UCHE KEN NDUKWU NOW

It is no longer news that the social media, in the past few days, have been awash with one Mrs Uche Ken Ndukwu's tongue lashing of His Excellency Gov. Nyesom Wike; the PDP leadership, especially the Etche LGA party chairman, Hon. John Otamiri, and a Frontline politician Chief Allwell Onyesoh (JP). Even her successor and follow woman Mrs Gladys Nweke was not spared of the unjustified vilification and name-calling.

Ordinarily such tirades and diatribes from inconsistent character like Mrs Uche Ken Ndukwu ought to be ignored as not to be dragged to her level of parochialistic tendency and naked ignorance. But given the time and implications of this to the aggregate minds of the political gladiators and admirers, it is pertinent to address issues like this head-on in other to nib further occurrence in the bud as a deterrent.

Sir, incontrovertible evidence both audio, video and written forms at different occasions support this petition against the said Mrs Uche Ken Ndukwu's (immediate past Vice chairperson of Etche LGA) overt disdain, recalcitrant and vituperation against the leadership of our great party, PDP. Obviously, this she is doing in other to cause disaffection and disharmony amongst the huge faithfuls and admirers of our performing governor across party lines by setting an agenda of public consideration.

Suffice to say that there is no smoke without fire. Evidence abound of Mrs Ndukwu's unholy romance with the opposition and her clandestine meetings with the enemies of PDP. That she is a mole in the PDP family is not in doubt. Her mission is to pollute the political space with misinformation and propaganda just to massage her opposition friends' ego.

Sir, it is our believe that the likes of Ndukwu must be singled out and sanctioned appropriately as a vicarious punishment. An infested finger must not be allowed to pollute the other ones. The Bible says, cut it off.

Her level of hypocrisy and inconsistency define her as a selfish oriented fair weather fellow. She became a vice chairperson of Etche LGA through the same consensus and harmonization arrangement. Then, heaven did not fall. So why do we have to loose sleep because the tide changed?

Sir, recall that as vice chairperson, the said Mrs Ndukwu took her boss Dr. Hon. Obinna Anyanwu and Elder Prince Emma Anyanwu out for castigation and public reproach. Later on shifted her invective venom to her supposed political mentor, Hon. Ephraim Nwuzi. And we clearly state that Mrs Uche Ken Ndukwu's recent outburst is possibly to atone for her wrongs and appease her APC boss.

It is disheartening that someone's wife and a mother would insult another person's husband and father when she suggestively asked if "Gov. Wike eats through his anus?" amongst other unprintable words. Etche women are not known for use of uncultured words. What a manner of woman is she? Must she insult everybody in the name of politics? Who is her boss? There should be answers to these.

Sir, it is our considered view that Mrs Uche Ken Ndukwu should be investigated dispassionately and sanctioned as not to pollute other minds. This period requires goodwill commentaries on our aspirants/candidates especially the governor who is eyeing the presidency. And until the likes of Mrs Ndukwu is brought to book as a punitive measure, people will not seem to understand the supremacy of party leadership.

We trust in the ability of the party leadership to do the needful as to engender discipline.

Yours faithfully
Nwachineke Chibuike
Co-ordinator, Professionals In Politics (PIP)

Some guys celebrating birthday with bread instead of cake

Some guys celebrating birthday with bread instead of cake

This is Chief Hon Allwell Onyesoh, the political leader of Etche extraction

This statement can only be correct if the Npower beneficiaries are converted/absorbed into the Federal Civil Service (FSC), especially the 2016 Npowers, as their 2 years engagement winds up by November 2018. No one expects them to go back to the street of labour market. it will be counter productive if after two years, they are asked to go back back home. Pls, their appointments should regularized. PERMANENCE

This statement can only be correct if the Npower beneficiaries are converted/absorbed into the Federal Civil Service (FSC), especially the 2016 Npowers, as their 2 years engagement winds up by November 2018. No one expects them to go back to the street of labour market. it will be counter productive if after two years, they are asked to go back back home. Pls, their appointments should regularized. PERMANENCE

This statement can only be correct if the Npower beneficiaries are converted/absorbed into the Federal Civil Service (FSC), especially the 2016 Npowers, as their 2 years engagement winds up by November 2018. No one expects them to go back to the street of labour market. it will be counter productive if after two years, they are asked to go back back home. Pls, their appointments should regularized. PERMANENCE

hmmm

Patrick, the grammarian. Don't confuse the electorate with grammar so that they can understand you and give you their votes. My humble advice

CHIEF (HON.) ALLWELL HEACHO ONYESOH (JP): A CURSORY LOOK

Born to a humble family in the old Port Harcourt township of Etche parents. Chief (Hon.) Allwell Heacho Onyesoh (JP) whose chronicle of political history is a conglomeration of intellectual sagacity, emotional equanimity, humane disposition and unique potential always inform his choice of political moves.

A critical perusal of Chief Onyesoh's political credentials would leave one with a conviction that if experience counts in Nigerian politics, then Allwell should be a professor of politics. The Political Octopus, as he is popularly known, is an advantaged well-bred politician, courtesy of his upbringing. His mother was a renowned politician in the Nigerian Second Republic.

Young Allwell started his political career in his twenties. And at the age of 33 he was elected the Chairman of National Republic Convention (NRC) of the old Etche LGA in a keenly contested poll. And in 1997, following the formation of new political parties in Nigeria, Chief Onyesoh contested and won the Etche constituency II seat in Rivers State House of Assembly under the platform of the United Nigeria Congress Party (UNCP).

By 1998 Allwell and his friends formed the famous Restoration Team ( a political front for the actualization of Dr. Peter Odili's governorship ambition), including Hon. Kenneth Kobani, Prince Uche Secondus, Rt, Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, Hon. Abiye Sekibo, et all which was emptied into Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), at the formation. And collectively, they worked for and championed the eventual victory of Dr. Peter Odili as the Governor of Rivers State.

Allwell's political dexterity has always endeared him to men of goodwill. He was appointed a commissioner for Education, and later Sports for four years each. Hon. Allwell Onyesoh and Hon. Kenneth Kobani were the only two cabinet members (commissioners) that served for the whole eight years of Dr. Peter Odili's regime. Suffice it to say that Allwell's impregnable records in the ministries of education and sports are yet to be beaten.

With his wealth of experience as a former commissioner of education, Allwell on assumption of office in 2011 as Chairman, Rivers State Senior Secondary Schools Board beckoned, ensured and secured the approval of Rivers State Governor, Rt, Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, for the successful employment of thirteen thousand, one hundred and fifty one (13,151) graduate teachers in August 2013. An unprecedented feat that did not only save the public schools from total collapse, but serves as a means of livelihood in many homes today.

To say the least, Chief Allwell Onyesoh's enviable tracks and intimidating credentials cannot be exhaustedly condensed within the confines of this piece. Allwell's political touches permeate political differentiations. Speaking at the Easter convention of Ogbaku Etche, Hon. Jerome Eke of PDP, member House of Representatives, sealed it when he acknowledged that Chief Allwell Onyesoh is a respected political father across party lines. Hon. Eke extolled Allwell's spirited oriented contributions to the political empowerment of the youths.

There will be no gainsaying that Allwell's 2019 senatorial ambition is unique, coming at a time the voices are united in support of it. It is today a common belief that the likes of Chief Allwell Onyesoh is a round peg for a round hole, or better still, a square peg for a square hole.

By:
Chibuike Godspower Iroegbu

CHIEF (HON.) ALLWELL HEACHO ONYESOH (JP): A CURSORY LOOK

Born to a humble family in the old Port Harcourt township of Etche parents. Chief (Hon.) Allwell Heacho Onyesoh (JP) whose chronicle of political history is a conglomeration of intellectual sagacity, emotional equanimity, humane disposition and unique potential always inform his choice of political moves.

A critical perusal of Chief Onyesoh's political credentials would leave one with a conviction that if experience counts in Nigerian politics, then Allwell should be a professor of politics. The Political Octopus, as he is popularly known, is an advantaged well-bred politician, courtesy of his upbringing. His mother was a renowned politician in the Nigerian Second Republic.

Young Allwell started his political career in his twenties. And at the age of 33 he was elected the Chairman of National Republic Convention (NRC) of the old Etche LGA in a keenly contested poll. And in 1997, following the formation of new political parties in Nigeria, Chief Onyesoh contested and won the Etche constituency II seat in Rivers State House of Assembly under the platform of the United Nigeria Congress Party (UNCP).

By 1998 Allwell and his friends formed the famous Restoration Team ( a political front for the actualization of Dr. Peter Odili's governorship ambition), including Hon. Kenneth Kobani, Prince Uche Secondus, Rt, Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, Hon. Abiye Sekibo, et all which was emptied into Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), at the formation. And collectively, they worked for and championed the eventual victory of Dr. Peter Odili as the Governor of Rivers State.

Allwell's political dexterity has always endeared him to men of goodwill. He was appointed a commissioner for Education, and later Sports for four years each. Hon. Allwell Onyesoh and Hon. Kenneth Kobani were the only two cabinet members (commissioners) that served for the whole eight years of Dr. Peter Odili's regime. Suffice it to say that Allwell's impregnable records in the ministries of education and sports are yet to be beaten.

With his wealth of experience as a former commissioner of education, Allwell on assumption of office in 2011 as Chairman, Rivers State Senior Secondary Schools Board beckoned, ensured and secured the approval of Rivers State Governor, Rt, Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, for the successful employment of thirteen thousand, one hundred and fifty one (13,151) graduate teachers in August 2013. An unprecedented feat that did not only save the public schools from total collapse, but serves as a means of livelihood in many homes today.

To say the least, Chief Allwell Onyesoh's enviable tracks and intimidating credentials cannot be exhaustedly condensed within the confines of this piece. Allwell's political touches permeate political differentiations. Speaking at the Easter convention of Ogbaku Etche, Hon. Jerome Eke of PDP, member House of Representatives, sealed it when he acknowledged that Chief Allwell Onyesoh is a respected political father across party lines. Hon. Eke extolled Allwell's spirited oriented contributions to the political empowerment of the youths.

There will be no gainsaying that Allwell's 2019 senatorial ambition is unique, coming at a time the voices are united in support of it. It is today a common belief that the likes of Chief Allwell Onyesoh is a round peg for a round hole, or better still, a square peg for a square hole.

By:
Chibuike Godspower Iroegbu

Allwell Onyesoh Vs Andrew Uchendu.

Breaking News :

In Rivers State, a former House of Representatives member, Hon. Nwuke Ogbonna has just been suspend by his ward chairman for disrespecting chief Allwell Onyesoh Etche Apc Caucus leader, inciting statement, anti-party activities and trying to cause disaffection amongst the APC family in Etche LGA of Rivers State.

THE PLACE OF ETCHE NATION IN RIVERS STATE. (By Chibuike Godspower Iroegbu)

It is now 50 years since the creation of our dear Rivers State. Precisely, the 27th day of May 1967 marked a watershed in the birth of the treasure base of our dear country. And then followed by the creation of the LGAs of Etche and Omuma which left no dent nor severance in the filiation and consanguinity of the Etche bloc ( both LGAs) as a nation.

Irrefutably, the carving out of Etche LGA from Ikwerre LGA and sitting of the headquarters in Okehi, and later Eberi as the headquarters of Omuma just for political and administrative convenience, is what could be described as the only government structure or institution in the whole of Etche ethnic nationality, despite her huge economic and political contributions to the country's treasury vis-à-vis her ever abundant human resources.

A nation (Etche) that is undisputedly the third largest ethnic group in Rivers State in terms of population, arable land mass, natural resources, including very rich petroleum deposit, rubber and palm plantation, and other agricultural produce has NEVER headed any of the federal government parastatals, boards, agencies, institutions, etc. To put succinctly, no Etche son or daughter has been considered worthy to head any of the over 500 government establishments.

It is more disheartening that even with all her natural and human resources, an ethnic group with the second largest voting population in the Rivers East Senatorial District has NEVER taken a shot at the senate, with the Senatorial zone structured, by default, into three ethnic nationalities (blocs) of the Ikwerres (4 LGAs); the Etches (2 LGAs); and the Wakirikes (2 LGAs). The Etche bloc remains the only group that has been constantly denied that Senatorial right, apart from the statutory political positions of House of Assembly and House of Representatives, by virtue of the collapsing of Etche/Omuma as a federal constituency.

To take a glimpse of the political emasculation of the Etche people by the hegemonic blocs just within the configuration of Rivers East Senatorial District, with a ceiling from 1999 to date (because going beyond 1999 would open more wounds in the mind of an average Etche man). Of the aforesaid ethnic nationalities, the Ikwerres through Senator John Azuta Mbata had their turn of two terms from 1999 to 2007; the Wakirikes, from 2007 to date through Senator Thompson George Sekibo, for the third term; whereas the Etche bloc is constantly shortchanged.

Even with all these unarguable facts and figures, the Etche people were again disallowed the senatorial ticket via the parties' manipulatory internal zoning arrangement and oblique structure in answer to the interest of the hegemonic dominance to favour Hon. Andrew Uchendu, despite the fact that his Ikwerre bloc, apart from taking their shot at the red chambers, amassed most of the juicy positions, including the governorship and ministerial positions, heads of known federal/state government parastatals and institutions amongst others; while the Wakirikes on the other hand, despite completing their two terms of 8 years was reconsidered (among other positions too); then the Etches were left with nothing but no choice than to fight and die for either of the candidates all in the name of party loyalty.

The Etches can be summarily described as a goose that lays a golden egg, but with nothing to show. Suffice it to say that given her rich petroleum deposit as the third largest oil producing nationality in Rivers State; and the second largest populated bloc in Rivers East, the prevalence of the presence of both the federal and state governments in the enclave would have been the envy of the others, in terms of government appointments and sitting of institutions.

Again, taking a brief historical walk from the 1914 amalgamation of Nigeria, through the creation of Rivers State in 1967 to the carving out of Etche LGA in 1987 till date, no Etche son or daughter has been considered or appointed as a minister, an ambassador, a head of any federal institution or agency. In the state, the story is the same, nobody from the Etche bloc has occupied the office of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG); speaker; chief judge; and governor, just to name a few. Even in the naming of government institutions or edifice, no one from the extraction has been considered, either living or dead.

From the foregoing, it has become pertinent for every Etche person, like the Ogonis did in the December 10, 2016 rerun election, to bury all political sentiments, individual differences, animosity, personal ego and intra-opposition to speak against this unceasing injustice against the people of Etche nation.

And like Bob Marley would say, "stand up for your right". No matter the political divide, ideological creed and leaning, we MUST demand that our rightful place and consideration are non-negotiable. Enough is Enough.

AN OPEN LETTER TO THE LEADERS OF ETCHE NATION: Chief Allwell Onyesoh; Hon. Ogbonna Nwuke; Bar. Nnamdi Okere; Bar. Reginald Ukwoma; Chief Ambrose Nwuzie; Hon. Okey Amadi; Hon.
Golden Chioma; Hon. Victor Amadi and Hon. Leo Anyanwu

It is my considered wish to reach you, Etche political leaders, through this medium, to bear my mind on some of the misconceptions and misplacement of priority which ipso facto ought not to.

Sirs, you are undisputedly, leaders in your own rights and therefore deserve a commensurate regard, respect and acknowledgement. It is even more so (as Christian) when one reflects on the biblical injunction that reminds that leadership is divinely ordained. Permit me to define leadership in the words of Eke (2000) as "the process by which an individual influences the behaviour and attitudes of others in a desired way" (p.18). The foregoing presupposes a chain reaction. The superior (leader) exacts his influence on the inferior (followers) who wittingly or unwittingly is caused to a change in behaviour, psyche, cognition as well as attitude. Suffice it to say that there is a high tendency in the influence-caused-change arising from the stories, discussions, talks and information relaid to the followers. And when these stories...information are incubated in falsehood and later hatched in inaccurate facts and distorted figures, the resultant effect is disaffection, bickering, accusations and wrangling. Hence, the center can no longer hold.

Hon., Sirs, I have a lot of respect and regard for you, because whatever position you might have occupied or still occupying is a no mean feat, and therefore, must be guarded jealously. In the still, I appeal to your good consciences and senses of superiority as leaders to always show your subjects the path of truth. You must exact your influence on your followers by demonstrating to them the virtue of followership by respect and acknowledgement. You must not lead your subjects by constantly disrespecting your own leader in the form of castigation, open confrontation or vituperation either directly or by innuendo. You must stand by your leader, Chief Allwell Onyesoh, who also enjoys the highest acceptance by the people as the National Leader of Etche Bloc. And who is equally called the Civilian General by some persons. And this is a fact collaborated and aknowledged by the contemporary leaders in other parties.

Sirs, Etche nation needs to be more united. The nation must learn to speak in one voice, devoid of any Judas Iscariot. This is NOT the right time of sowing seed of discord and disharmony. We the youth look up to you (our leaders) to give the people's leader (Chief Allwell Onyesoh) the required flesh and muscle to lead us out of Egypt. For Professor Ndimele once said that a political leader is one who has the ability "to creatively manipulate socio-political and economic forces to bring about the desired change in both material and human resources in his domain". That is exactly what the Etche people need. The cankerous syndrome of Pull Him Down (PHD) must be discarded from the mind, and the spirit of myopia and antagonism destroyed.

Again Sirs, teach your subjects how to own Etche struggle irrespective of the political differences and that any appointment or position to an Etche person is for the entire Etche Nation.

And lastly Sirs, you must make your followers realize that the Etche nation faces a greater injustice from our brothers in the other political/ethnic bloc. You must explain to them that Etche nation with over 150 villages has never produced a senator whereas the Okirika with just 3 villages can be proud of that, including other juicy appointments.

Tell them that it is time to say NO. For Martin Luther King, Jnr. once said that "ones live begins to end the day he keeps silence about things that matter".

By: Chibuike Godspower Iroegbu

THE PLACE OF ETCHE NATION IN RIVERS STATE (By Chibuike Godspower Iroegbu)

It is now 50 years since the creation of our dear Rivers State. Precisely, the 27th day of May 1967 marked a watershed in the birth of the treasure base of our dear country. And then followed by the creation of the LGAs of Etche and Omuma which left no dent nor severance in the filiation and consanguinity of the Etche bloc ( both LGAs) as a nation.

Irrefutably, the carving out of Etche LGA from Ikwerre LGA and sitting of the headquarters in Okehi, and later Eberi as the headquarters of Omuma just for political and administrative convenience, is what could be described as the only government structure or institution in the whole of Etche ethnic nationality, despite her huge economic and political contributions to the country's treasury vis-à-vis her ever abundant human resources.

A nation (Etche) that is undisputedly the third largest ethnic group in Rivers State in terms of population, arable land mass, natural resources, including very rich petroleum deposit, rubber and palm plantation, and other agricultural produce has NEVER headed any of the federal government parastatals, boards, agencies, institutions, etc. To put succinctly, no Etche son or daughter has been considered worthy to head any of the over 500 government establishments.

It is more disheartening that even with all her natural and human resources, an ethnic group with the second largest voting population in the Rivers East Senatorial District has NEVER taken a shot at the senate, with the Senatorial zone structured, by default, into three ethnic nationalities (blocs) of the Ikwerres (4 LGAs); the Etches (2 LGAs); and the Wakirikes (2 LGAs). The Etche bloc remains the group that has been constantly denied that Senatorial right, apart from the statutory political positions of House of Assembly and House of Representatives, by virtue of the collapsing of Etche/Omuma as a federal constituency.

To take a glimpse of the political emasculation of the Etche people by the hegemonic blocs just within the configuration of Rivers East Senatorial District, with a ceiling from 1999 to date (because going beyond 1999 would open more wounds in the mind of an average Etche man). Of the aforesaid ethnic nationalities, the Ikwerres through Senator John Azuta Mbata had their turn of two terms from 1999 to 2007; the Wakirikes, from 2007 to date through Senator Thompson George Sekibo, for the third term; whereas the Etche bloc is constantly shortchanged.

Even with all these unarguable facts and figures, the Etche people were again disallowed the senatorial ticket via the parties' manipulatory internal zoning arrangement and oblique structure in answer to the interest of the hegemonic dominance to favour Hon. Andrew Uchendu, despite the fact that his Ikwerre bloc, apart from taking their shot at the red chambers, amassed most of the juicy positions, including the governorship and ministerial positions, heads of known federal/state government parastatals and institutions amongst others; while the Wakirikes on the other hand, despite completing their two terms of 8 years was reconsidered (among other positions too); then the Etches were left with nothing but no choice than to fight and die for either of the candidates all in the name of party loyalty.

The Etches can be summarily described as a geese that lays a golden egg, but with nothing to show. Suffice it to say that given her rich petroleum deposit as the third largest oil producing nationality in Rivers State; and the second largest populated bloc in Rivers East, the prevalence of the presence of both the federal and state governments in the enclave would have been the envy of the others, in terms of government appointments and sitting of institutions.

Again, taking a brief historical walk from the 1914 amalgamation of Nigeria, through the creation of Rivers State in 1967 to the carving out of Etche LGA in 1987 till date, no Etche son or daughter has been considered or appointed as a minister, an ambassador, a head of any federal institution or agency. In the state, the story is the same, nobody from the Etche bloc has occupied the office of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG); speaker; chief judge; and governor, just to name a few. Even in the naming of government institutions or edifice, no one from the extraction has been considered, either living or dead.

From the foregoing, it has become pertinent for every Etche person, like the Ogonis did in the December 10, 2016 rerun election, to bury all political sentiments, individual differences, animosity, personal ego and intra-opposition to speak against this unceasing injustice against the people of Etche nation.

And like Bob Marley would say, "stand up for your right". No matter the political divide, ideological creed and leaning, we MUST demand that our rightful place and consideration are non-negotiable. Enough is Enough.

What I still don't understand is the rush with which Mr. Lai Muhammed announced to the whole world that the Boko Haram has been "technically defeated". Was it to impress the international communities who would never give us any required assistance so that they will continue to sell their arms and ammunition? Or was it aimed at covering up the continued alleged lack of moral and incentives to the military fighting the battle? Because the number of casualties from the available sources are not something to play politics with.

What I still don't understand is the rush with which Mr. Lai Muhammad announced to the whole world that the Boko Haram has been "technically defeated". Was it to impress the international communities who would never give us any required assistance so that they will continue to sell their arms and ammunition? Or was it aimed at covering up the continued alleged lack of moral and incentives the military fighting the battle? Because the number of casualties from the available sources are not something to play politics with.