The central working committee alongside the subcommittee chairman and secretaries for the burial of the longest-serving Monarch in Rivers State, His Serene Majesty King Prof. T.J.T Princewill, JP CFR, Amachree the XI and Amanyanabo of the Kalabari Kingdom has been inaugurated in the capital Buguma Asari Toru local government signaling commencement of activities for the burial of the late monarch.
Headline members of the inaugurated committee include: Prince Tonye T.J.T Princewill Chairman, Chief (Dr.) David T Briggs Co Chairman, Hon Dr. Tammy Danagogo Alternate Chairman I, Hon Dr. Dax George Kerley Alternate Chairman II, Prof. Victor Omuaru Secretary, Chief (Dr.) Emi Membere Otaji Chairman, Finance Committee, Sir. Opunabo Inko –Tariah Chairman Media and Publicity.
Other members are: Sen Ipalibo Harry Banigo, Hon Igo Aguma, Sen Seriake Dickson, Alhaji Mujahid Dokubo Asari, Rtd Navy Capt Ibim Princewill, Alhaji Nasiru Danu, Mrs. Betsy Godwin Obaseki and Mr. Segun Owolabi
Speaking to newsmen shortly after the inauguration, the regent of the KALABARI kingdom, Dr Charles Numbere Princewill said he is expecting maximum commitment with a view to having a PAN KALABARI Nation burial ceremony.
Dr Charles Numbere Princewill further said the burial celebration will foster peace and unity amongst Kalabari people and Ijaws in general
Speaking at the inauguration, the son of the late monarch and the chairman of burial committee, Prince Tonye Princewill said the burial will demonstrate unity, peace and will showcase the rich cultural heritage of the KALABARI kingdom.
He said though it was a sad reality, he took heart in the knowledge that the King had lived a good life and left a legacy that will serve as a template for us to live.
He thanked the regent, his kitchen cabinet and Alhaji Mujahid Dokubo Asari amongst others for the commendable roles they all played.
The co-Chairman of the burial committee Chief Dr. David Briggs said that he was looking forward to the responsibility and he expected the entire KALABARI Nation to now participate fully with a view to having a befitting burial ceremony for the late Monarch. He commended the work done so far and said it was very clear that the Kingdom was awake.
Meanwhile, the state Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, D B Kaladokubo on his part assured that he would ensure that the Christians in Rivers state turn out to honour a King who was truly deserving. The burial is fixed for the 29th and the 30th of November.