Kehinde Fajobi
A delegation from the Opobo Elder Statesmen-4-Sim has paid a courtesy visit to the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Senator John Azuta Mbata, amid opposition from some of his Ikwerre kinsmen.
The Chairman of the group, Alabo Edwin Cockeye-Brown, led the delegation to Mbata’s residence in Port Harcourt to congratulate him on his electoral victory and commend his unwavering support for Governor Siminalayi Fubara before, during, and after the election.
Cockeye-Brown highlighted the long-standing relationship between the Mbata family and the Opobo people, recalling the contributions of Mbata’s late father, Elder Samuel Mbata, whom he described as a prayerful man and a philanthropist.
He also praised Mbata’s loyalty to Governor Fubara, particularly during the impeachment attempt.
“I recall particularly that during the impeachment attempt, you stood by the governor like a shining star. You supported him. You did not shake, neither did you shy away,” Cockeye-Brown said.
In response, Senator Mbata reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the Rivers State governor and dismissed criticisms from those opposing his stance.
He described his critics as “a cacophony of noises” from individuals who lack understanding.
“I see my responsibility as building bridges. We must connect our people to a much larger platform for development,” Mbata said.
He also addressed concerns over his Igbo identity, stating that he would never deny his ancestry.
“Some people say they are from Benin. That their ancestry is Benin. And I say, ‘that’s fine. Let’s go there.’ We say that we have a relationship with the Igbos.
“I’m not going to deny my Igbo identity. Anyhow you like, talk from now till tomorrow, I’m not going to deny my ancestry,” he stated.
Mbata further stressed the need for strategic political alignment, noting that power in Nigeria is largely determined at the federal level.
“We must operate at the highest stage of this Nigerian project. We have to be able to access the powers that be.
“We must enjoy support from another perspective. Politics is played from Abuja and not here. It’s when they finish from Abuja that they come here,” he added.
He urged for patience and understanding, insisting that with time, tensions would subside and people would come to appreciate his efforts in fostering unity.