By Seyi Odewale
The Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike has urged traditional rulers in the state to support the incoming administration of Sir Siminialayi Fubara.
According to him, the appeal was necessitated by the pivotal role traditional rulers play in the sustenance of peace in the various communities of the state.
Governor Wike, who was represented by the Chief of Staff, Government House, Port Harcourt, Chief Emeka Woke, made the appeal at the official foundation laying ceremony of the palace of Eze Oha Apara kingdom, which took place at Rumu-Kesiorlu community, Rumuigbo clan yesterday.
A statement by Wike’s media aide, Kelvin Ebiri, yesterday in Port Harcourt, said the governor assured traditional rulers that whatever support they have enjoyed during his administration, would be continued by Sir Fubara, who fortunately has been a member of his team since 2015.
He said: “The next governor of Rivers State come May 29, Sir Siminialayi Fubara is a product of consolidation and continuity. Whatever support you have enjoyed, whatever dividends of democracy you have received from the present administration, I want to assure you that it will continue in the administration of Sir Siminialayi Fubara, because he is one man who has studied the ropes.
“He has been with our administration from its inception till date. So, he understands the focus and vision of the present administration. I solicit your support, give him all the necessary support because he is the best person for the job in Rivers State.”
Governor Wike explained that before he assumed office in 2015, he had always recognised and understood the importance of traditional rulers, and the importance of the level of governance they render at the various communities of the state.
He stated that this was one of the reasons that informed the decision of his administration to build a befitting edifice for the Rivers State Traditional Rulers Council to meet and then come up with good policies that support the programmes of government.
“The importance of traditional institutions has been there right from the colonial days. The colonial masters would have been unable to administer the people without the role of the traditional rulers.
“And so, it is not out of place for the government to come and support traditional institutions because they are responsible for managing minor disputes that arise in our communities. If those disputes and disagreements are allowed to snowball, it could be to a point that may not be manageable by the government.
“You can see the importance traditional rulers are playing in supporting the government, complimenting the effort of the government in maintaining peace and order. Not that alone, I know you are also there to preserve our cul
