Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has charged traditional rulers in the state to maintain peace, promote unity and guard against actions capable of triggering crises as political activities heighten ahead of the forthcoming general election.
Fubara urged the monarchs, whom he assured would receive brand cars before the end of his tenure, to put the interest of the state above personal sentiments and political considerations.
He said they must understand that their conduct and influence at the grassroots would be critical to sustaining peace during the electioneering period.
The governor spoke during the combined quarterly meeting of the state Council of Traditional Rulers in Port Harcourt yesterday.
His words: ‘Let me request that everyone should ensure that as we are entering into this political season actively, your conduct maintains peace in your place.
‘Your actions should not lead to division and multiple crises that we cannot manage as a government.’
Fubara also urged the traditional rulers to administer justice fairly in their respective domains and abide by the constitution guiding their offices. He said that fairness and impartiality are necessary for the state to make progress.
‘Let’s keep aside the issues of individual sentiments and ensure that the interest of our state supersedes whatever thing that we have in our mind,’ the governor stated.
Fubara pointed out that traditional institutions remain vital in maintaining the stability of the state because of the monarchs’ close relationship with their people and their role as custodians of cultural values.
He advised them to use their positions to promote harmonious relationships among their people, particularly as political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 polls.
The governor said the ability of traditional rulers to manage affairs in their respective domains would contribute significantly to the overall strength and development of the state.
‘Your ability to navigate your local domain produces the strength that is called Rivers State,’ he said.
Fubara also reaffirmed his administration’s respect for the traditional institution, commending the monarchs for their contributions to peace and development in the state.
He said he had consistently honoured the institution since assuming office and appreciated traditional rulers for their prayers and support for the state.
The governor also addressed concerns about the welfare of the monarchs, assuring them that the government would work towards resolving outstanding issues concerning their mobility.
The governor also pledged to look into other welfare concerns raised at the meeting, including the statutory five per cent allocation received by traditional rulers from their respective local government areas.
On the leadership of the council, the governor expressed concern about the health of its chairman and said he would take a decision after the meeting. He promised to communicate his position in the coming days.
Earlier, Chairman of the council , King Chike Wodo, warned against the desecration of traditional institutions by desperate political interests. He urged his colleagues m to be above partisan politics and protect the interests of their people.
Wodo identified insecurity, economic hardship, youth restiveness and the erosion of cultural values as major challenges confronting communities in the state.
He called on the government to grant traditional institutions greater recognition and constitutional roles, arguing that monarchs are closer to the grassroots than other arms of government.