King Amachree’s Burial: Chieftaincy Commissioner Commends Central Working Committee
The Rivers State Commissioner for chieftaincy affairs, Hon. Charles Amadi , has commended the central working committee (CWC) on its detailed and satisfactory preparations for the transition of his Serene Majesty, King Prof. Tjt Princewill, JP , CON, Amachree Xi, Amanyanabo of Kalabari Kingdom.
Speaking at the inauguration of the budget screening and monitoring committee by the Chairman and co chairman of the central working committee at the Hotel Presidential in Port-Harcourt on Monday, the commissioner who was well pleased with presentations by some members of the sub committees, said he is convinced that all hands are on deck to ensure the peaceful transition of the king.
Hon. Amadi, who represented Gov. Sim Fubara, also promised government’s assistance whenever the need arises.
Earlier in his speech, the Chairman, Prince Tonye Princewill who is incidentally the only biological child of the departed king, briefed the CWC on the success made thus far and things to be done. He expressed some disquiet that despite the moratorium given, some committees were yet to make their presentations – insisting that the CWC will no longer wait.
Reiterating the chairman’s position, the co chairman of the committee, Chief Dr. David Briggs, among other things, advised committee members against seeing the committees as gravy trains but rather should be seen as a call to selfless service.
The Meeting Started at about 2pm with the chairman of the media and publicity subcommittee introducing the agenda for the day, while the opening prayer was led by the secretary of the CWC, Prof. Victor  Omuaru.
Meanwhile, earlier in the day, the Prince in the company of Opunabo Inko-Tariah visited the Amanyanabo of Bakana, another direct descendant of the Amachree stool, there the Amanyanabo promised the duo of the full  participation of the Bakana  people in the burial of “our father and king” he thanked Prince Tonye for the visit.
Others at the meeting were a former member of the House of Representatives, Arc. Eniye Braide and a former Local Government Chairman, Hon. Levy Braide.
The highlights of the meeting were the inauguration of the budget screening committee, the review of the draft programme of activities and the monitoring committee.
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Draft Programme Of Activities In Honour Of the Late Monarch HSM King Prof. T. J. T. Princewill JP, CFR, Amachree Xl, Amanyanabo and Natural Ruler of the Kalabari Kingdom, in Rivers State from November 1st –December 25th 2023.
Date/Activity
Action by Committee
Wednesday 1st November 2023:
Spiritual/Culture
4:00 am: Seven Canon Shots as Formal Traditional Announcement of The commencement of Burial
Culture
8:00 am: Final (Oku) Emissaries to All Communities In Kalabari Kingdom and compounds of Buguma to announce the Burial Activities
Culture
Monday 6th November 2023:
6:00 am – 12:00 pm: Prayers/Fasting at various Kalabari Communities
Prayer
Wednesday 8th November 2023:
5:00 am-3:00 pm: Ekine Sekiapu Perform Town Cleansing at Buguma
Culture
Thursday 9th November 2023:
5:00 am: Egbele-Ereme sing round Buguma
Culture
Monday 13th November 2023:
4:00 am-8:00 am: Women Native Singing Groups sing round Buguma
Culture
Wednesday 15 -18 November 2023:
Ekine Sekiapu Annual night Ngbula display
Culture
Monday 20th November 2023:
King Abbi Polo Kick-Starts The Igira Sira activities
Culture
Tuesday 21st-25th November 2023:
All communities In Kalabari Kingdom/Compounds In Buguma begin the Igira Sira activities
Culture
Saturday 25th November 2023:
7:00 am – 10:00 am: Sanitation at Buguma and along the Emohua- Kalabari road
Sanitation/Council Chairman
4:00 pm Eklne Sekiapu perform the final cleansing rites from Elem-Kalabari to Buguma City
Culture/Security
I1:00 am: Kalabari Kingdom Unity lecture in King Amachree Memorial Hall, Buguma.
Media/Publicity
4:30 pm: Novelty Football Match in honour of the late Monarch between KNC Old Boys and KGHS Old Girls teams
Special Duties
Sunday 26th November 2023:
5:00 pm: All Churches in Kalabari land to centrally hold Interdenominational Carol Service at the King Amachree Square.
Prayer
Monday 27th November 2023:
4:00 am: Se-Erena Kurusu To Announce The Burial With Native Women Singing Groups Singing Round Buguma
Culture
All Communities and Compounds of Kalabari  Decorate Their Communities/Compounds With Flags
Venue/Decoration
4:00 pm: Service of Songs and Tributes At Christians Ecumenical Centre, Port Harcourt
Prayer/Entertainment/ Security
8:00 pm: All Churches Native Choirs Sing In Buguma At The Town Square
Prayer/Security
8:00 pm: The Country Classics and Jazz Band Display
Entertainment/Security
Monday 4th – 23rd December 2023:
Canon Shots and the Okuro Fari as well as various communities, clubs, compounds and the Ekine Sekiapu of Buguma and other communities will take turns to perform cultural and other activities display at designated compounds and centres in Buguma
Culture
Sunday 24th December 2023:
Thanksgiving Service at First Baptist Church, Buguma
Prayer
Monday 25th December 2023:
Farewell HSM Late King Prof. Theophilus Jacob Tom Princewill JP, CFR, Amachree XI
Source: Nwaorgu Faustinus