The Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom, Emmanuel E. Sideso, has called on Nigerians to unite and produce a workable Constitution that guarantees justice, fairness and a genuine sense of belonging for all citizens, saying the moment demands urgent national resolve.
The monarch made the call on Saturday during the public presentation and launch of his autobiography at his palace in Effurun, Delta State.
According to him, Nigeria has reached a critical stage in its national journey where unity and constitutional reform can no longer be postponed.
“We have come to a point in our national advancement that we must resolve to unite and produce a workable Constitution that will give every Nigerian a sense of belonging and pride, guaranteeing justice and fairness. This is crucial and has acquired a sense of urgency,” he said.
Describing Nigeria as a nation richly endowed with natural resources and resilient people, the royal father expressed optimism that the country would overcome its challenges.
“Nigeria is a country blessed with abundant natural resources, talented and resilient people, anxiously anticipating when the light shall shine on the land. May the good Lord make His light to shine upon our beloved country Nigeria and put to flight the brutal forces of darkness, endemic corruption, religious animosity, political inertia and tribalism, wherever they are situated,” he added.
The monarch also used the occasion to draw attention to rising airfares in the country, urging airline operators to consider a downward review in view of prevailing security concerns.
“I know that a larger audience of friends and associates would have been here today, from all around, to felicitate with us, but for the sudden overpriced transport fares, particularly by some airlines operating in the country,” he said.
“With the fearful trend of insecurity in the country, flying is now presumed safer than all other means of transport but the sky-high cost of flying seems even scarier than skydiving. I earnestly appeal to the airlines operating in the country to consider a downward review of airfares in the best interest of national development.
“However, some people said it was still cheaper to pay expensive airfares than to negotiate with kidnappers on the roads for payment of gargantuan ransom. That’s not funny,” he added.
He commended the Governor of Delta State, Sheriff Francis Oborevwori, for infrastructural upgrades in Uvwie Kingdom, as well as for sustained support to the Uvwie Education/Scholarship Scheme.
The Ovie also acknowledged the contributions of former governors, Arthur Ifeanyi Okowa, James Onanefe Ibori, and Emmanuel Ewetan Uduaghan, noting that their support to Uvwie Kingdom remains appreciated.
