President Buhari Conferred With Ogoni Chieftaincy Title

The Traditional ruler of Ogoni Land, His Royal Majesty, King G.N.K Gininwa, has conferred on President Muhammadu Buhari the chieftaincy title, `Menedolenu’ of Ogoni on Friday at the Presidential Villa.

The conferment came immediately after the delegation of the leaders of Ogoni land led by Gininwa met with President Buhari in the presidential villa.

Sen. Magnus Abe (APC-Rivers State South-East), who spoke to State House Correspondents shortly after the meeting said that the reason for the visit was to appreciate President Buhari for his gestures towards Ogoni people.

“We are supporting the president because of the things he has done for us; we believe that whatever he can do, he will continue to do.

“Today, our Majesty conferred a title on the president, and the title he gave the president is `Menedolenu’ of Ogoni, that is the King that does good things for Ogoni people.

“The president is one of us; he has shown that special relationship with the Ogoni people; there is no condition for whatever the president wants from us,’’ he said.

De Peter Medee, President, KAGOTE, the apex leadership and Elitist social cultural organisation of Ogoni, while speaking, said that president Buhari has met the expectation of the Ogoni people.

He said that Buhari promised to ensure that the devastated land in Ogoni land was cleaned, adding that efforts toward the clean up was on top gear.

He said that 50 years after the union of Rivers people, Ogoni earnestly desired to have the opportunity to provide leadership in terms of producing the governor of River State in 2019.

“That is why we are here today; we have come to the seat of power to ensure that yearnings and aspirations of Ogoni people are met.

“So, we are very grateful because we know very well that the infrastructural need of Ogoni people will be met; especially, the East-West Road which has become a death trap.

“We are very happy that with the commitment of Mr President; as we are going back, efforts will be made to ensure that the road is put back to use.

“We also thank the president for the efforts he has made to put back on track the Bodo-Bonny road; these are critical infrastructure we are very sure will deliver value to Ogoni people.

“We have also pledged to Mr President that the people of Ogoni will continue to give him support come 2019 and any other time he needs support from Ogoni people,’’ he said.

The President, Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSSOP), Mr Legborsi Pyagbara, while speaking said that the delegation brought to the hears of Mr President Issues concerning the security in Ogoni Land.