Rivers State governor, Mr Nyesom Wike, has called on leaders of  Ikwerre ethnic nationality to work with other ethnic groups  to ensure faster development of the state.

In a keynote address during the 211th Convention of Ogbakor Ikwerre Cultural Organisation, Worldwide, at Rumuche in  Emohua Local Government Area of the state, yesterday, Wike  said that inter-ethnic cooperation  will enhance  the  development of the state.

Wike, who noted that his administration  will  ensure that all local government areas in the state benefit  from development projects,  said that the road projects  pledged for the  four Ikwerre speaking local government areas of the state would be completed in one year.

Gov. Wike

He said: “Let us work together to develop Rivers State. Working together with other ethnic groups, we will move the state forward.

“As leaders of Ikwerre nationality, we must contribute  meaningfully to the development of our communities by enhancing peace and unity.”

He stated that the success of the Amnesty Programme in Ikwerre and Emohua has led to relative peace in the two councils.

The governor charged the Ogbakor Ikwerre leadership to work with other stakeholders  to ensure that people participate in the forthcoming national census.

In his address, outgoing President General of Ogbakor Ikwerre Cultural Organisation Worldwide, Prof Augustine Onyeozu commended  Wike for always identifying  with the Ikwerre cause at all times.

He noted that Wike  has been responsible  for  most of the successes recorded by the Organisation  in the promotion  of Ikwerre ethnic nationality.