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From Tony John, Port Harcourt
Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has charged traditional rulers in the state to remain politically neutral, ensure fairness and uphold peace in their domains as the country enters the active season ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Governor Fubara gave the charge on Wednesday while declaring open the 126th, 127th and 128th Combined Quarterly Meeting of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers in Port Harcourt.
The governor said the primary function of traditional rulers was to administer justice and ensure fairness, warning that their conduct must not cause division and crisis.
“Let me therefore request, if that is the right word to use, that please, as we are entering into this political season actively, everyone should ensure that your conduct promotes peace in your place. Your actions should not be what would lead to division and multiple crises that we cannot manage as a government.
“I think with that, we can all live as one and we can also continue to make this progress that we are trying with all our mind, our body and our soul, to ensure that we deliver to our dear state,” he said.
Governor Fubara urged them to abide by the oath and constitution they swore to before ascending their respective stools, in the interest of the stability and progress of the state.
He enjoined the royal fathers to set aside individual sentiments and place the interest of Rivers State above personal considerations, noting that the principle had guided his day-to-day governance.
“I want to enjoin everyone to keep aside issues of individual sentiments and ensure that the interest of our state supersedes whatever thing that we have in our mind. This is not just what I am saying here, it is what I have also practised and displayed in my day-to-day life in the governance of our dear state,” he said.
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On the appeal for improved welfare, Governor Fubara clarified that the delay in actualising some of their requests was not caused by the government, but by the inability of the council to put its house in order.
He explained that the issue of stipends paid to the traditional rulers by local government councils was a statutory provision and not something a governor could change by verbal pronouncements. He assured them that he remained a man of his word and would fulfil his promises to the traditional rulers before leaving office next year.
He reaffirmed his respect for the traditional institution as custodians of culture and the closest link to the people, thanking them for their prayers and support. He urged them to ensure fruitful deliberations that would strengthen peace and development in the state.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers and Paramount Ruler of Apara Kingdom, His Majesty, Eze Chike Amadi Worlu Wodo, expressed gratitude to the state government for maintaining a cordial relationship with the traditional institution.
Eze Wodo highlighted the importance of traditional rulers in conflict resolution, noting that their closeness to the people placed them in a strategic position to mediate in chieftaincy matters, family disputes and land ownership.
He drew attention to challenges affecting the performance of the institution, particularly the lack of official utility vehicles and logistical support.
He also appealed for improved monthly stipends and better welfare to reflect prevailing economic realities.
