BY SAM DUVWODE
The Governor of Delta State, Senator (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa has disclosed that, the inclusion of traditional rulers into the machinery of governance has made them to play pivotal roles as custodian of the traditions, customs, heritage and, indeed, the conscience of the society.
Governor Okowa who made the disclosure while presenting Staff of Office to the traditional ruler of Akumazi kingdom, Henry Ezeagwu-Ukpo Jegbefume 1, in Ika North East Local Government Area, pledged government continous partnership with traditional rulers in the enthronement of peace and total development of communities in the state.
The governor who was represented by his deputy, Barr. Kingsley Otuaro, noted that since the coming onboard of his administration, has remained consistent in its determination to ensure the inclusion of traditional rulers into the affairs of governance in the State. He pointed out that, this synergy has contributed immensely towards the sustenance of peace and harmonious coexistence amongst diverse people in the state.
While congratulating Obi Henry Jegbefume 1 on his appointment and recognition as the Obi of Akumazi Kingdom, Governor Okowa appealed to him to discharge his responsibilities in a transparent manner by being fair and just to all his subjects.
He appealed to him to consider his enthronement as a call to duty and an opportunity to create an atmosphere that would facilitate rapid development of Akumazi Kingdom and its environs.
While calling on the Obi to mobilize the kingdom for self-help projects that would complement the efforts of government, Governor Okowa urged the people to strive to promote the integrity of the stool by according the king the respect and honour he deserved.
The chairman of Ika North East local Government Council Barrister Victor Eboka, described the presentation of staff of office as a good omen for the Akumazi kingdom and assured the state government of the support of the people of the local government in the actualisation of the SMART agenda.
He lauded Governor Okowa for the all round development he has attracted to all parts of the state and called on Deltans to reelect him to enable him to do more.
The president General, Akumazi Progressive Union, Chief Solomon Chukwuma, pledged the support of the community to the king and the state government in bringing the needed transformation to the area.
While appreciating the Okowa led- administration for the successes recorded in the town, Chief Chukwuma solicited for more projects and empowerment programmes.
In the same development, the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to Governor Okowa, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, in his congratulatory message, stated that the official handing over of Staff of Office to Obi Jegbefume 1 was indeed a celebration of the sustenance of peace in Akumazi Kingdom.
Mr Aniagwu noted that, the pedigrees and templates of Obi Jegbefume 1 will certainly be an asset to the Senator (Dr.) Ifeanyi Okowa’s SMART Agenda.
While praying God to ever crown the reign of the Royal Majesty with peace and grace, the CPS to Governor Okowa appealed to Obi Jegbefume 1 to continue to trust and rely on the wisdom and guidance of the King of kings – God Almighty as he occupies the throne.