The Rivers state governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that his Opobo people from Rivers state belong to the Ijaw ethnic nationality.
Insisting that the Opobo people are integral part of the history of the Ijaw struggle, Fubara asserted that he is a true Ijaw son.
Speaking when he met with the Regent, and other representatives of Kalabari Se Kobiri at Government House, Port Harcourt on Friday, Fubara dismissed insinuations labelling him a non Ijaw.
He said persons doubting his Ijaw origin were bereft of the history of the struggle that made Ijaw a reputable class of people.
He said: “So, whoever is feeding you with that information, should go back to their history classes. You cannot talk about the Ijaw struggle without the Opobo, the Bonny, and the Kalabari.
“We had our trade lines at that time and for you to occupy a trade line, it means you are a true Ijaw man. So, for the records, I am a full blooded, up to my bones, an Ijaw man.”
Fubara said Ijaw people are bold, courageous and forthright adding that despite being subjected to inhuman treatment, Ijaw refused to succumb to be traded as slaves.
He emphasised that only the will of God would prevails in every circumstance whether good or bad, winning or failing.
Condoling with the Kalabari people over the demise of their monarch, late King Theophilus J.T. Princewill, Fubara assured that the state government would fully participate in the burial activities.
The governor urged the people to put their differences aside and work together to give the late king a befitting burial.
In his speech, the regent of Kalabari kingdom, Dr. Charles Numbere Princewill said they visited to notify the governor that Theophilus J.T. Princewill, Amachree XI, The Amanyanabo and Natural Ruler of the Kalabari Kingdom was dead and ro formally invite him to attend the funeral.
He thanked the governor for the support already given to them and solicited for more.
On his part, Secretary to the Rivers State Government Dr. Tammy Danagogo said Fubara had shown much love towards the Kalabari people and.was committed to giving befitting burial to their late Amanyanabo.