Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has called on traditional rulers to refrain from using their authority to target or victimize their opponents.
Instead, he encouraged them to see themselves as impartial leaders and fathers to all their subjects, upholding fairness and justice without bias.
Fubara made this statement while presenting certificates of recognition and staff of office to two first-class traditional rulers at the Government House in Port Harcourt on Tuesday evening. The newly recognized monarchs are His Majesty, King Marcus Oduma Woyike, Nye Nwe-Ali Elele, Okinali/Elele-Alimini in Ikwerre Local Government Area, and His Majesty, King Ndamzi Nsirim, Nye Nwe-Eli Rumueme Kingdom in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.
The governor emphasized the importance of fostering peace and harmony within their communities, urging the monarchs to work collaboratively with all their subjects to promote coexistence and sustainable development. He advised the royal fathers to put aside feelings of resentment and avoid any inclination to act against anyone, regardless of past conflicts, encouraging them to embrace all with a spirit of forgiveness.
Governor Fubara also urged the traditional rulers to partner with the State Government in promoting peace and accelerating development within their domains. He clarified that the presentation of certificates was a formality, as the leadership positions of the recognized monarchs were already established and gazetted.
“What we are doing here is simply a fulfillment of an existing process,” Fubara stated. “The stool of Nye Nwe-Ali Elele was already recognized, and we are merely giving it formal government acknowledgment. The same applies to His Majesty, King Ndamzi Nsirim, whose position was also recognized by the previous administration.”
He appealed to the monarchs to be fair and just in their dealings with their people, ensuring that they understand and address the needs of their communities in cooperation with the government.
Governor Fubara reminded the rulers that their roles are meant for the service of their people, not for personal vendettas. “This is an opportunity given by God to serve selflessly,” he said. “Do not use it to undo your people. Carry everyone along with a heart of forgiveness.”
He concluded by wishing them a successful reign, urging them to rule in a manner that would be remembered positively, and reassuring them that their purpose is to lead wisely and justly for the greater good.
