.…Promises New Cars, Improved Welfare To Monarchs
.…Under Gov. Fubara, We’ve Fared Better – Rivers Monarchs
By Chibuike Nwabuko
Port Harcourt – Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara has extolled the leadership qualities of His Majesty, Eze Chike Amadi Worlu-Wodo, Eze Oha Apara IV, Apara Kingdom as Chairman of the Council, highlighting that his leadership has restored unity and respect for the state’s traditional institution.
Fubara made the observation on Tuesday, December 31, 2024 in Port Harcourt while declaring open the 119th and 120th combined Quarterly General Meeting of the Rivers State Traditional Rulers’ Council.
The Governor who acknowledged that traditional rulers in Rivers State are indispensable partners to his administration in the commitment to accelerate prosperity for all Rivers people, also expressed fulfillment over his choice of Worlu-Wodo, as Chairman of the Council, adding that his leadership has restored unity and respect for the state’s traditional institution.
He told the monarchs, “I feel the profound unity in the Rivers State Traditional Rulers’ Council. His Majesty is running an open, transparent Council where every Royal Father, irrespective of status, has a sense of belonging.
“His Majesty has, by his leadership style, restored dignity and respect to the traditional institution in Rivers State. I am happy I made the right leadership choice and even more elated that we now have a Traditional Rulers’ Council committed to its responsibilities and respected nationally for being pragmatic, non-partisan, and prioritizing collective interest of Rivers above all others.”
Acknowledging the valued support his administration has enjoyed among the monarchs and the people, Gov. Fubara said to his hosts, “But for the overwhelming and unwavering support and prayers of the people, our story would probably have been different.
According to him, “This is why we are willing to promote, preserve, and protect the interests of Rivers and all its people, indigenes and non-indigenes”, assuring that his administration will never compromise nor will he betray the confidence and trust of the people.
He noted; “After the Local Government Councils, traditional rulers are the best partners we have to translate the development aspirations of our government at the grassroots into reality. You are, therefore, an indispensable development partner to the State Government.
“As such, you must work with the State Government to advance the peace, security, and progress of your domains. You also have a responsibility to promote government policies and programmes, uphold the rule of law, and mobilize your people and resources to create enabling environment for development.
He stated, “As a government, we have proven we can manage the available resources for maximum development impact. Everyone can see what we have delivered in the last 16 months, and we are proud and fulfilled with our achievements.
Governor Fubara reiterated that his government holds the traditional rulers in high esteem and will not do anything to disrespect, emasculate, or sideline them in the scheme of things, as he enjoins them to avoid doing things that would denigrate the sanctity of the traditional institution or anything that could bring them into a collision with either the government or the law.
He assured that he will not allow Local Governments disregard their input on issues concerning the peace, security, and development of their kingdoms, stressing, “I urge you to work with your Local Governments and security agencies to maintain law and order and rid your communities of crimes and criminal elements whose conduct is inimical to the security of lives, property, and investments.
“I have not forgotten our promises concerning your welfare and well-being. I assure you that we will sooner rather than later deliver your cars and all the other individual and collective promises that we made.”
The Chairman, Rivers State Council Of Traditional Rulers, His Majesty, Eze Chike Amadi Worlu-Wodo, told Governor Fubura that traditional rulers in Rivers have never had it this good with a sitting governor.
He thanked the Governor for, “not only providing funds for this meeting but for also substantially increasing our sitting allowances to respond to the economic realities of the time, as well as for coming in person to perform his statutory duties as Governor.
“The news we have received all over the State is quite cheering and symbolic of the joyful life that Rivers people experienced when Sir (Dr.) Peter Odili was Governor of this State.
“It was only then that what is happening now occurred, where civil servants, stakeholders, and traditional rulers periodically received special allowances and financial assistance from the Government.
“Now, you have not only brought back those glorious old days, but have also extended same gesture of enjoyment to retirees, giving them Christmas Bonus. May the Almighty God bless you and help you to sustain this lovely and people-oriented practice.
He pointed out that for nearly one month, the whole State has been agog with activities of commissioning and flagging off projects which Gov. Fubara’s administration has carried out or is currently undertaking in different parts of the State.
The monarch expressed excitement that soon, local and foreign investors, and tourists will begin to tap into the endless marine resources of the Blue Economy of the State as the Ngo Town to Oyorokoto Atlantic Road in Andoni Local Government Area, currently being constructed, will be commissioned.
Eze Worlu Wodo appealed to all Rivers people in politics across all divides to allow peace reign in the State as it is only when there is peace that investors could be attracted to invest in the State which will create jobs for the teeming youths, and not in a crisis-ridden environment which some unpatriotic elements want to create.
