BY SAM DUVWODE
Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State has charged traditional rulers in the state to avoid undue proliferation of chieftaincy titles that are not rooted in the people’s culture as well as shunnig the act of recognizing and honouring persons of dubious character.
Governor Okowa gave the charge today while presenting Staff of Office to two traditional rulers in the state, His Royal Majesty, Obi Lawrence Onicha Kogwu, the Obi of Ubulubu Kingdom and His Royal Majesty, Agbogidi Obi Onyemaechi Josiah Kanyinaga 1, the Obi of Obomkpa Kingdom, both of Aniocha North Local Government Area, Delta State.
The governor who was represented by his Deputy, Barr. Kingsley Otuaro, noted that, traditional rulers are symbol of the people’s custom and tradition, including the hub around which their socio-economic and cultural lives revolved.
The governor advised traditional rulers in the state to exercise their powers with great caution and avoid all forms of pettiness, sectionalism, partiality, discrimination and favouritism in their day-to-day administration.
While assuring that the state government is committed to the principle of even development of the State, he noted that, traditional rulers achievements will depend largely on the quality of cooperation and goodwill of the generality of the people.
The governor stated that, the positive attitude and show of support by traditional rulers and the people will further propel his administration to actualize the avowed commitment of the state government towards the genuine aspirations of Deltans not only in infrastructure development but also through empowerment of the people.
Governor Okowa, reassured both communities that, their areas of need and request as expressed in their speech would be addressed by the appropriate government departments.
The governor who thanked both kingdoms for their support for him and the state government, charge the royal fathers to discharge their responsibilities in transparent manner by being fair and just to their people.
“Your Royal Majesties, you are fathers of all your subjects, so you should be fair to all and sundry. As the custodian of the people, it is important that you do not, in words or action, give any cause for your subjects to doubt your ability to uphold the sanctity of their custom. I appeal to you to imbibe the democratic virtues of dialogue and consultation in all your dealings with your people”. He said.
Earlier, the Chairman of Aniocha North Local Government Council, Hon. Chukwugozie Oseme, in his address at both communities, appreciated and thanked the governor on his resolve to furnish the local government area with good access roads linking the various communities in the local government.
Hon. Eseme, noted that both kingdoms have proven to the world and indeed Nigerians in particular how to enthrone a traditional ruler without any prevalent rancour, bitterness, acrimony and endless litigations sometimes associated with traditional ruler/Obi selection, installation, coronation and accession process.
In a welcome address by Ubulubu Community, Hon. Isaac Okoh, who commended Governor Okowa’s practical demostration of respect for traditional institutions, assured that the people of Obulubu community will continue to remain peaceful and supportive of his administration.
Hon. Okoh, on behalf of the community appealed to the governor to among other pressing challenges call on the contractor handling the construction of access road linking Ubulubu to other towns and villages to see it to completion. He also appealed to the state government to assist in extending the national grid to Ubulubu, posting of teachers to Ubulubu Secondary school as well as provision of agricultural loans, farm implements and fertilizers to boast agricultural products in Ubulubu community.
Also, the President General, Obomkpa Progressive Union, O.P.U. Federated, Surv. Charles Ogedi, on behalf of Obomkpa kingdom, expressed gratitude to the governor for steps taken in ensuring that the on-going work on the road is completed within the shortest possible time.
Surv. Ogedi, appealed to the governor to prevail on security authorities to expidite actions in attending to the security challenges of kidnapping and banditry along major arteries leading to the various communities.
Both communities also expressed their gratitude and apprecaition to their amiable political leader, Chief Nkem Okwuofo, (Agunwanyi), Chairman, Delta State Civil Service Commission, for her leadership qualities and enhancement of oneness in attracting development to the various communities in the local government area.