Monarchs Laud Revival Of Epie-Atissa Leaders Of Thought, Urge Sustenance
By Etete Enideneze
Revival of one of the earliest socio-cultural organisations known as Epie-Atissa Leaders of Thought, is a timely move to foster unity towards realisation of the aspirations of the ethnic group.
Traditional rulers in the twin kingdoms stated this, October 12, 2023 when executives of the organization paid courtesy visits on Obenibe of Epie Kingdom, HRM, King (Barr.) Malla Sasime and Ebenibe of Atissa, HRM, King (Sir) Godwin Gurosei Igodo in their palaces, respectively.
The traditional rulers lauded those who spearheaded re-emergence of the organization at a time the twin kingdoms needed to be repositioned for progress of the people.
Speaking during the visit to his palace at Igbogene-Epie, King Sasime extoled the caliber of persons leading the organization, and expressed hope that Epie-Atissa would have a stronger and united voice on matters affecting its people.
King Sasime charged leaders of the group to sustain its activities as well as put Epie-Atissa in limelight at state, national and global levels.
He called for repositioning of other ethnic organisations such as Oguan Congress and Epie-Atissa Consultative Forum which he recalled also played roles in the agitation for creation of Bayelsa State and location of the Capital in Yenagoa.
Pointing out that he and his council were non-partisan, King Sasime however assured of support to the Epie-Atissa Leaders of Thought, stating that the body’s missions would be of benefit to the kingdoms.
In their separate speeches, Odapiri of Odudobu-Epie, HRH Solomon Bokolo; Obenaken of Agudama-Epie, HRH Gospel Akputakpu Titus; Chief Ignatius Buseri; Estate Surveyor (Chief) Isiya Albert spoke in similar vein, tasking leaders of the group to press for a better deal for the Kingdoms, from government.
They also urged leaders in Epie-Atissa to re-inculcate the values of service and respect for elders and constituted authorities, in the young ones.
Also speaking, Obenaken of Okaka-Epie, HRH (Dr.) Morrison Itelimo, noted that the regigging of Epie-Atissa Leaders of Thought should catalyze development in the area and the state capital.
Earlier, Deputy Chairman of Epie-Atissa Leaders of Thought, Professor Steve Azaiki, who stood in for the Lifetime Chairman, Senator (Chief) Emmanuel Izibefien Paulker, relived how major socio-cultural organisations had in the past united for the common good of the people.
Professor Azaiki who cited instance of struggle for creation of Bayelsa State and location of the capital in Yenagoa, said some of the meetings and memoranda were done in King Sasime’s residence at D-Line in Port-Harcourt.
Azaiki stressed that such collaboration needed to be re-enacted, and called on all classes of leaders in the area to join Epie-Atissa Leaders of Thought and contribute their quota for the betterment of the kingdoms.
Intimating Epie Council of Chiefs on essence of the visit, Secretary of the group, Hon. Markson Fefegha explained that it was re-organized to give leadership direction for the socio-cultural and political wellbeing of Epie-Atissa.
Hon. Fefegha restated the group’s endorsement of Senator Douye Diri’s re-election as governor, and harped on the need for peace and unity during the electoral processes.
He assured that Epie-Atissa Leaders of Thought would be committed to the progress of the kngdoms, while also pledging loyalty to the traditional authorities.
Making remarks, Commissioner for Health, Dr. Pabara Newton Igwele, urged Epie-Atissans to be more actively involved in the current election, vouching that Senator Douye Diri was ever committed to transforming Bayelsa State and its Capital.
In a related development, at the palace of the Ebenibe of Atissa Kingdom, King (Sir) Godwin Gurosei Igodo, Chief Natus Zebakeme, said the organization which is registered with relevant agencies of government, aims to advocate for the rights and privileges of Epie-Atissa people.
Chief Natus stated that its membership cuts across party lines, and all strata of the ethnic group, and reiterated backing of Senator Diri for a second term in office.
Responding, King Igodo, applauded formation of a formidable front to interface between governments and Epie-Atissa, maintaining that monarchs were apolitical. He wished the organization well in its quest for a better Epie-Atissa.
Other members of Epie-Atissa Leaders of Thought on the visits were Hon. (Chief) Ayebanegiefa Egba; Dr. Parkinson Markmanuel; Hon. Bello Idesi, among others.
