Buhari Receives Olu Of Warri, Pledges Fairness For Itsekiri People

His Royal Majesty, Tsola Emiko, Ogiame Atuwatse III, was received by President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday, five months following his coronation as the Olu of Warri.

While hosting the monarch and several of his chiefs at the State House in Abuja, President Muhammadu Buhari promised the Itsekiri people of Delta State a fair deal.

“I’m grateful for your visit and impressed by your patriotism. I’ve taken note of your requests, and will work on them as soon as politically possible,” Buhari was quoted as saying in a statement issued by his spokesman, Femi Adesina.

In his remarks, the Olu of Warri said the visit was to primarily thank the President for sending a high-powered delegation to his coronation as the 21st monarch of the Kingdom, “and for your kind felicitation, goodwill and solidarity.”

He also reiterated the loyalty of the Itsekiri people to “one united Nigeria, as we support your government’s aspiration to provide security and economic prosperity to all Nigerians, irrespective of tribe, creed or religion.”

While describing President Buhari as “a dogged patriot and fervent believer in Project Nigeria,” the Olu drew attention to what he called “some burning issues that are dear to our hearts.”

The issues included the under-utilization of the four ports in Warri, Koko, Sapele, and Burutu, all in Delta State, reconstitution of the NDDC Board, immortalizing the first Finance Minister of the country, Chief Festus Okotie-Eboh, and resuscitation of the Ogidigben EPZ Project, which has reportedly been abandoned.