By ABEL JOHNGOLD
The Delta State Government has asserted that as an age-long grassroots leadership institution, government would continue to rely on the traditional rulers as dependable medium of reaching the people.
It added that the traditional institution remains a priceless legacy in any African society for which there is yet no credible substitute, as a rallying point for the people.
The State Governor and Vice Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Ifeanyi Okowa stated this at the official presentation of Staff of Office to His Royal Majesty, Amb. Meshack E.A. Ubabiri, as the Bini Pere IV, the Agadagba of Egbema Kingdom in Warri North Local Government Area of the State, on Thursday, 19 January, 2023.
While reassuring royal fathers that his administration would continue to hold traditional rulers in high esteem, he said his led-administration would therefore continue to see the traditional institution as an indispensable partner in the socio-economic and cultural development of the State.
Okowa, who was represented by the State Deputy Governor, Dcn. (Barr.) Kingsley Otuaro, said that the presence on the occasion of notable community leaders, friends and well-wishers of the revered Egbema Kingdom surely underscored the significance of the historic moment.
Congratulating the monarch for the smooth ascension to the royal stool of his ancestors and commending everyone in Egbema Kingdom for their cooperation, which made the occasion possible, Okowa said “Today’s event marks the perfection and confirmation of the various traditional rites and processes, which mark the ascension to the throne of the Agadagba of this historic kingdom.
“I am happy about the peace and love that attended all the processes, because they are all the hallmarks of the confidence reposed in him by the people of this Kingdom and now, the Delta State Government”.
He appealed to the Agadagba of Egbema kingdom to maintain and improve on the sanctity of his exalted office by leading his people to greater prosperity in an atmosphere of peace, love, understanding and mutual respect between the royal throne and the people.
“I also urge you to be transparent while upholding at all times, the virtues of justices, fair play and equity in all your dealings with your subjects. In everything you do and every decision you take, I implore you to place the interest of the majority of your people and the fear of God, above all other considerations.
“Please ensure that you encourage free flow of communication, dialogue and consultation with all segments of your kingdom”. Okowa added.
Okowa solicited the cooperation of the Egbema community and indeed the entire ljaw nation, especially in the area of fostering peaceful intra and inter-community relations.
He said “For long, our youths have devoted their energy, time and resources to the struggle for betterment of our communities. This is indeed a just struggle, which has helped to draw attention to years of neglect imposed on us by past administrations in the country.
“I commend you for contributing to the peace we have continued to enjoy in this State. I sincerely appeal to all host communities to cooperate with local and foreign investors, including oil and gas companies, to make the State a haven for all genuine investors.
“Furthermore, you are aware that our nation is approaching a new round of elections, designed to elect political leaders into the different strata of the nation’s political structure. I sincerely appeal to you to be tolerant of the views of others. While also avoiding thuggery and any action capable of leading to a breakdown of law and other.
“The successful conduct of the next round of elections is a litmus test of our sustained political maturity and ability to manage democracy. We must not therefore give enemies of democracy any opportunity to threaten the political stability of the nation through disorderly conduct during the forthcoming elections.
“It is equally necessary at this point to reiterate my advice to traditional rulers in the State to give priority attention to matters of security in their domain. I implore Your Royal Highness to work closely with the law enforcement agencies and the local government council to ensure that peace prevails in your domain.
“I urge you especially, to encourage youths in this community to involve themselves in productive development activities, while according all constituted authorities the respect they deserve.
“This administration will always accord education prime place of importance because it is one legacy that our youths truly require them for future leadership positions.
“I am aware that while we have contributed our quota, much remains to be done to rescue our people from the several years of deprivation and neglect have taken note of the areas of need highlighted in your address
“I urge you to be patient as the welfare of the rural and riverine communities is most dear to the heart of this administration. Your community will certainly not be left out in the development plan of the State as your requests will be channeled to relevant agencies of government”.
Earlier in his speech, the newly official crowned monarch said it needs to be placed on record that Egbema Kingdom transcends beyond the borders of Delta State as part of his domain is in Ikpoba Okha and Ovia South West Local Government areas in Edo state due to the splitting of the defunct Bendel State.
He appealed to the State government to consider the award of some projects in view of their socio-economic importance to his people.
Projects requested by the Agadagba of Egbema to boost living conditions of his people includes the dredging of Tsekelewu creek as this will aid navigation and movement of goods and services; the over head bridge from Ogbudugbudu/Ogbinbiri to Ofunama, as this will link up my communities in Edo and Delta States and facilitate access to market of farm produce; the Agadagba’s landing Jetty; Sand filling of the already cleared site at Opuama and the completion of the Udo/Ofunama Road.
While emphasizing the importance of the aforementioned projects to his kingdom, Amb. Ubabiri said “Your Excellency, I know that some of these projects will require inter-state and inter-agency collaboration to implement. I therefore plead with you to use your good offices to collaborate with the relevant state and agencies of government to make my request a reality”.