Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has presented the Certificate of Recognition and Staff of Office to former Niger Delta militant leader Alhaji Mujahid Dokubo-Asari and three others as newly recognised traditional rulers in the state.
Dokubo-Asari was presented with a certificate and office staff, as was the Amanyanabo of Torusarama Piri in the Degema local government area of the state.
Others are HRM Winston Odize Alamina Oputibeya XII, as the Amanyanabo of Koniju in Okrika local government area; HRM Eze Noble Friday Uwoh, as the Eze Igbu-Ehuda (Ahoada) IV in Ahoada-East local government area; and HRH Prince Ike Ehie, as the Eze Igbu Orilukwoe in Ahoada-East local government area of the state.
Presenting the certificates and office staff to the four traditional rulers at Government House, Port Harcourt, yesterday, Fubara urged them not to see their new positions as tools for personal aggrandisement. Instead, they should see it as a call for service and responsibility to help the government protect lives and property in their respective domains.
The governor said: “First of all, on behalf of the government, congratulate the four of you. It has not been an easy journey to get to this point. I know many of you have been working very hard to ensure the success of this day. Your appointment in terms of this recognition is not for personal aggrandisement but a call for service, a responsibility to help us protect lives and property in your domains.”
He stated that though the government has the power to withdraw recognition from any traditional ruler found wanting, he quickly added that it is not his intention to exercise such authority and warned them not to use their privileged positions to create problems in their domains but to join forces with the government to ensure the success of the administration in its avowed commitment to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people.
Fubara said, “I don’t want you to see this elevation as another platform to create problems in your locality. We can withdraw the recognition, but I don’t intend to.
So, please partner with the government to ensure we continue succeeding.
“I know that you are all men of integrity. Support the course of governance so that we can all succeed together. It is a privileged position, and I am sure you will use it in the best interest of your people.”
In his opening remarks, the state commissioner for Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Engr. Charles Amadi said the newly recognised traditional rulers include two royal majesties and two royal highnesses and commended Fubara for adding to the number of Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers in the State.
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