Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara has assured traditional rulers that his administration would not undermine the traditional institutions in the State.
Gov. Fubara gave this assurance while addressing Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers led by its chairman, His Majesty, Eze Chike Worlu Wodo who paid him a solidarity visit at Government House, Port Harcourt on Friday, adding that his government will continue to respect the traditional institution as custodians of culture and tradition.
The governor noted that their visit is a reassurance that his government is not standing alone but has the support of the royal fathers and traditional custodians of the people and communities that make up Rivers State.
“You are the leaders, the kings, the chiefs—the ones who oversee the locals that make up the entire state. I say thank you for coming to reassure this administration that you have our back.”
While commending the traditional rulers for their support during the just concluded Local Government elections in the State, Gov. Fubara apologized to those who felt offended, stressing that such offence was not intended as he will continue to accord them respect as fathers of the State.
“I assure you that, as a government, we will continue to respect the traditional institution. We will not do anything, either directly or indirectly, to undermine any of you. If we have wronged you in any way, let me apologize here. However, I don’t believe we did so intentionally, as you are our fathers.”
The governor specifically thanked the chairman of Rivers State Traditional Rulers Council, His Majesty, Eze Chike Worlu Wodo for making out time and encouraging his colleagues to pay the government a visit, saying such gestures will not be taken for granted.
He subsequently directed the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Tammy Danagogo to finalize all arrangements for the release of vehicles to the traditional rulers who needed them and also commence the process of releasing funds to those who prefer monetary assistance.
On his part the Chairman of Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers, His Majesty, Eze Chike Worlu Wodo lauded Governor Siminalayi Fubara for diligently managing the affairs of the State with every sense of wisdom resulting in the peaceful conduct of the just concluded local government elections.
According to him, “the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers after a thorough evaluation of governance in the state over the past year, noted that the administration of His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, is directing the state’s resources toward essential physical and human infrastructural development projects and expressed satisfaction with the Governor’s investment in the security of lives and property, evident in the provision of equipment to the Nigerian Police and other state security apparatus for optimal performance.”
He thanked the governor for the peaceful manner in which he handled the political challenges created by some disgruntled elements before and after the October 5 LGA elections and subsequently conveyed the vote of confidence passed on the governor by the Council.
Eze Wodo pointed out that the Council of Traditional Rulers noted with dismay the unpatriotic actions of some prominent sons and daughters of the state who are instigating and funding violence and expressed regret that some acts of violence recently perpetrated in the state were carried out in broad daylight while security agencies looked away.
The Monarch also thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his stance on peace in Rivers State, and called on him to ensure that no person or group of persons uses his good name as a cover to continue causing trouble in the state, adding that he must do everything necessary to maintain peace in Rivers State, in the interest of the nation.
