By Abel Johngold Orheruata
PATANI/Nigeria: Delta State Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa has said, sustainable development can only take root in an atmosphere devoid of violence and anarchy.
Governor Okowa, stated this on Monday, 23rd October, 2017, while presenting Staff of Office to His Royal Majesty, Barr. Peremobowei Shadrack Erebulu, Aduo 111, the Pere of Kabowei Kingdom, Patani Local Government Area, Delta State.
The governor who was represented by the Delta State Deputy Governor, Barr. Kingsley Otuaro, noted that, peace and stability are necessary ingredients that facilitate needed sustainable development in all its ramifications.
Senator Okowa, who expressed delight at the peaceful and harmonious manner the people of Kabowei transform their governance system from traditional gerontocracy to a monarchical one, urge the people to rally round their royal father to ease the task of discharging his duties. He called on them to promote the integrity of the stool by according their royal father the respect he truly deserves.
The governor who congratulated the royal majesty on his ascension to the throne, charged him to discharge his responsibilities transparently by being fair and just. “As the custodian of the tradition of your people, it is important that do not, in words or action, give any cause to your subject to doubt your ability to uphold the sanctity of the custom of your people. I appeal to you to imbibe the democratic virtues of dialogue and consultation. Government expects you to give priority attention to matter of security in your domain.” Gov. Okowa stated.
While calling on his royal majesty to ensure that peace and security prevail in his domain, the governor use the opportunity to call on the sons and daughters of Kabowei kingdom to take advantage of the various programmes of government, particularly, the Central Bank of Nigeria assisted Anchor Borrowers Programme and the Delta State Micro-credit programme. He advised them to form cooperative that can easily access credit to add value to the massive farm harvest of the kingdom. According to him, Kobowei Kingdom is well known for its hospitable disposition, fishing and farming.
In his response, His Royal Majesty, Barr. Peremobowei Shadrack Erebulu, Aduo 111, Pere of Kabowei Kingdom, while expressing his appreciation to the governor, said it is now time for unity and mutual respect.
The Pare of Kabowei assured the people that he will discharge his duties in recognition with his council of chiefs to carry out reforms and development in the kingdom.
He said, as the custodian of the tradition and culture of the the people, he will strive to revive the culture and traditions of the people, ensuring that, he maintain the tradition and culture of the people.
Earlier, the Chairman, Patani Local Government, Chief (Hon.) Mrs Josephine Abeki, assured that the local government will continue to maintain and promote the goals and aspirations of the state government.
Chief, Mrs Abeki, who urge the people of the local government to uphold the democratic virtues of the state government, appealed to the state governor to provide official vehicles to the local government in order to assist the council in discharging its duties.
Also, in an address, Chief Victor Ekiye, the Opudubowei (Prime Minister) of Kabowei Kingdom, on behalf of the people of Kabowei expressed thanks and appreciation to the governor for the official recognition and approval of their newly crowned traditional ruler.
Chief Ekiye, recalled that following the transition of the last Pere of Kabowei Kingdom, Late Major. L.M Erebulu (rtd) Aduo 11, on 18th, February, 2016, the throne became vacant until 16th August, 2017, when the kingmakers unanimously choose Barr. Prince Shadrack Peremobowei Erebulu as the Pere to administer the traditional affairs of the kingdom.
The presentation of staff of office to His Royal Majesty, Barr. Peremobowei Shadrack Erebulu, Aduo 111, the Pere of Kabowei Kingdom, attracted top government functionaries from across the state, including; Senator Chief James Manager, The Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevworei, some members of the Delta State House of Assembly and some civil commissioners in the state.
Others includes prominent traditional rulers in the state amongst whom are, the Chairman of the Delta State Traditional Rulers Council, Dr. Emmanuel Efeizomor, the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, Orhue the 1st as well as other first class kings from Ijaw communities in Delta and Bayelsa States.
