BEING A COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE END OF 232ND OGBAKOR IKWERRE CONVENTION AT ELELE OKANIALI IN THE IKWERRE LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF RIVERS STATE ON SUNDAY, 26TH MARCH, 2023. In attendance at the meeting were former leaders of Ogbakor Ikwerre; prominent sons and daughters of Ikwerre, and delegates from REO, Esila, OPA, Ishimbam Elele, Oyibo and other Branches of Ogbakor Ikwerre Cultural Organization, World-Wide. After examining and deliberating on issues of great significance to the development of Ikwerre ethnic nationality, the Convention resolved as follows: 1. Commended Eze M. O. Woyike, Nye-nwe-Ali Elele and the leadership of Elele community for the warm reception accorded to Ogbakor Ikwerre Convention. Also praised the Ikwerre Local Government Area Chairman, Dr. Samuel Wanosike, for welcoming the delegates. 2. The Convention frowned at the deplorable condition of Obiri Ikwerre and lack of access road as a result of construction of the Obiri – Ikwerre inter change by Government, therefore, prayed the Rivers State Government to address the concerns. 3. The Convention applauded the eleven committees of Ogbakor Ikwerre Cultural Organization for their commitments, and advised them to get their reports ready for presentation to the National Executive Committee of Ogbakor. 4 The convention also resolved to hold the 2023 Ikwerre Day of cultural celebration, and set up a Central Organizing Committee headed by the President of Ikwerre Development Association, Chief (Dr) Esezi Obilor Rukani. 5. Urged the people of Omagwa to pursue peace and abide by the Court verdict on their chieftaincy dispute and urged the community to continue to embrac e peace and work with the Nye – we -Ali Omagwa, HRH Eze Achinike. 6. The convention congratulated Ikwerre sons and daughters who were victorious in the last general elections and urged them to be good ambassadors of their constituents. Also advised those who lost to take it in good faith and brace up for other opportunities in future. 7. The convention expressed deep concern over the indiscriminate and continuous outright sales of land, and encouraged communities to embrace the concept of land leasing. 8. The Convention condemned in its entirety the use of the name ‘Ogbakor Ikwerre’ by any group of persons for political gains. The convention empowered the Executive and the legal team to prosecute defaulters. 9. Commended the Executive Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON, GSSRS, POS Africa, for the classification and elevation of Chieftaincy Stools in Ikwerre Communities. Also congratulated and wished the beneficiaries God’s wisdom, blessings and protection. 10. Finally, The Convention congratulated the Rivers State Governor – elect, Sir. Siminilaye Fubara on his victory at the polls, and also applauded Governor Nyesom Wike, Dikne Ohna Ikwerre, for facilitating the victory.