By Abel Johngold Orheruata
OGWASHI-UKU/Nigeria: Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State has said, it is statutory according to the laws of Delta State for government to present staff of office to a traditional ruler after due installation and enthronement by his people.
Governor Okowa stated this while presenting the official staff of office to His Royal Majesty, Obi Paul Nzemeke Okolie II, as the Obi of Egbudu-Akah Kingdom, Aniocha South Local Government Area, Delta State.
While congratulating Obi Paul Okolie II, on his appointment as the Obi of Egbudu-Akah kingdom, the governor who was represented by his Deputy, Barr. Kingsley Otuaro, said government will not dabble into selection processes of traditional rulers, but advised that any community that wants a king must follow due process, which includes selection by the people and formal recognition by the state government.
Governor Okowa who stated that, government hold the new king and other kings in the State in high esteem reaffirm that his administration will continue to strengthen the traditional institution, accord traditional rulers due recognition, honour and respect, as well as providing an enabling environment for them to perform their roles.
He however use the opportunity to advise traditional rulers to use their good offices to promote peace and rapid socio-economic development in their various domains and call on all Deltans across the State to embrace peace at all times, saying, it is only an enduring peace that brings about social and economic development.
The Governor who appealed to all traditional rulers in the State to support government’s efforts in combating societal ills, especially kidnapping, armed robbery, banditry and other anti-social behaviours, urge them to encourage their subjects of voting age, to key into the current voter registration exercise, emphasising that, it is a civic duty to be performed by all well meaning citizens.
Governor Okowa appealed to the Obi of Egbudu-Akah kingdom to discharge all his responsibilities in a transparent manner by being fair and just.
“You are the father of all your subjects, so you should be just and fatherly to all and sundry. As the custodian of the tradition of your people, it is important that you do not, in words or action, give any cause to your subjects to doubt your ability to uphold the sanctity of their cherished custom. I appeal to you to imbibe the democratic virtues of dialogue and consultation in all your dealings with the people”. Gov. Okowa stated.
The governor who advised the chiefs, elders and people of Egbudu-Akah kingdom to appreciate and accord their new King the needed respect and support, urged them to take advantage of the various policies and programmes of the state government, especially the skill acquisition and micro-credit programmes.
Governor Okowa, who noted that, their request will be channelled to the various agencies of government for necessary action, said, the state government will continue to be committed to bringing prosperity and development to every community in the State.
The Chairman, Aniocha South Local Government, Hon. (Chief) Isaac Anwuzia, in his address noted that, traditional institution is key to the peaceful administration of communities and ease of government.
Hon. Anwuzia in his appreciation to the governor, said the Deltans are surprised at the monumental achievements this administration has recorded, adding that, the good people of Aniocha South local government area eagerly waiting for 2019 to show their appreciation by rewarding the governor with their votes.
Earlier, presenting a welcome address on behalf of the kingdom, Prince Lucky Obi Okolie, expressed profound appreciation to the Governor for his timely intervention in the avoidable kingship tussle orchestrated by some mischief makers whose intention was to truncate the well established mode of succession to the throne of the kingdom.
Prince Lucky Obi Okolie, noted that His Royal Majesty, Obi Paul Nzemeke Okolie 11, succeeded His Royal Majesty, Obi Agbogidi Olo-Omee Okolie 1, who until his transition in 2016, was the longest and oldest reigning monarch in the word.
He used the occasion to among other requests appealed to the state governor to extend the on-going construction of Ogwashi-Uku/Ubulu-Unor road to Egbudu-Akah community and beyond, provision of good water supply, standard health care facility.
He also appealed to the governor to post more teachers to the community and erect more school structures to enhance effective learning as well as appoint eligible sons or daughters of the kingdom into his administration to assuage the negative impression of marginalization and sense of resentment created among the people by previous administrations.
