Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike has fired two Local Government Council Bosses in the Sate over non Participation in the Boat Regatta, part of the activities to mark the State at 50 celebration.
In a statement signed by the SA to Governor Wike on Electronic Media, Simon Nwakaudu, the Governor expressed disappointment at the actions of the LG Bosses saying they neglected a major part of the People’s culture hence they are not qualified to lead the people.
Speaking during the event, Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike sacked the Caretaker Committee Chairmen of Akuku-Toru and Ogo/Bolo Local Government Areas for failing to participate in the cultural programmes of the Boat Regatta. He said they lost their posts for taking for granted the culture of the people.
Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike led leaders and friends of the state to watch the best of the state aquatic culture.
The Riverine communities displayed the pre-colonial civilization of the riverine communities. They showcased their defence systems , their ceremonies and traditional religion.
During the boat Regatta, the competing boats shot canons, indicating the military prowess of the riverine communities.
The boat Regatta competition was heralded by the emergence of the Ogwein masquerade, the ancient water deity of the Bolo people of the Okirika Kingdom.
The following local government areas participated in the boat regetta: Akuku-Toru, Degema, Opobo/Nkoro, Andoni, Bonny , Ogu/Bolo and Okirika.