Tony John, Port Harcourt
Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has called on South South traditional rulers to work in unity to move the zone forward.
Wike spoke yesterday, when the Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, visited him at the Government House, Port Harcourt.
He said South South monarchs should not be second class rulers.
“The traditional rulers from South South should work together to advance the development of the region.
“The Oba of Benin and the Amanyanabo of Opobo Kingdom should not be second class to anyone. Our traditional rulers must not be relegated by anyone. We should not see ourselves as second class citizens,” Wike said.
He appealed to leaders of the geo-political zone to stop a situation where militants determine who becomes the traditional rulers.
“Militants should never dictate what happens in communities. I am talking about traditional leadership.
“These days, you see people of no consequence coming forward to determine who becomes a traditional ruler because they carry guns. We must perform our roles and functions,” he said.
He also called on South South traditional rulers to work with the governors of the zone to identify areas that require developmental interventions.
He said: “When we interact, you point out areas where you require the governors to develop and we can synergise for the good of the zone.
“We will work together to move the traditional institution forward. We also need the support of the traditional institution for the development of the zone.”
The governor called on the Oba of Benin to find a way to resolve the political feud among two leaders of Edo State.
“I want to humbly call on you to wade into the political crisis in Edo State. Though you are not a politician, it is necessary for the feud to be resolved. Please, find a way to address the issue,” Governor Wike said.
He commended the Managing Director of Access Bank, Herbert Wigwe, for supporting the Benin Traditional Council.
Earlier, Oba of Benin said his visit was in line with the tradition established by his late father.
He said: “Following the footstep of my father, who came on a thank-you-tour after his coronation, particularly when we recall with nostalgia my father’s public service in Ahoada many years ago. Port Harcourt and Rivers State is, in deed, a second home.”
The monarch said his visit was aimed at strengthening friendly and close relationship between the people.
“I am here to strengthen the friendly relationship and close affinity of our people. History has it that some of the tribes here trace their ancestry to Benin. This includes the Ikwerres, the people of Ahoada and Omoku,” he said.
He added that he was also in the state to meet with other traditional rulers to influence the process of development.
He said: “I will meet with the South South Monarchs’ Forum, who were present at the coronation so that we can share ideas with them on ways of strengthening the traditional institution in Nigeria and ensure the development and wellbeing of our people.
“We would like to use this opportunity to appreciate the cordial relationship between Edo and Rivers people.”
He extended an invitation to the government and people to participate in the celebration of the Igue Festival and receive the blessing of doing so.