Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has officially presented staff of office and certificates of recognition to four newly recognised monarchs in the state.
Among the honorees is Mujahid Asari Dokubo, a former Niger Delta freedom fighter, now recognised as His Royal Majesty, the Amanyanabo of Torusarama Piri in Degema Local Government Area.
Others are HRM Winston Odize Alamina Oputibeya XII, as the Amanyanabo of Koniju in the Okrika Local Government Area; HRM Eze Noble Friday Uwoh (CSP rtd) as the Eze Igbu-Ehuda (Ahoada) IV in the Ahoada-East Local Government Area; HRH Prince Ike Ehie as the Eze Igbu Orilukwoe also in the Ahoada- East Local Government Area of the state.
The ceremony was held at the Rivers State Government House in Port Harcourt on Tuesday.
Fubara urged the monarchs to view their positions as opportunities for service rather than personal gain, emphasising their responsibility to collaborate with the government to safeguard lives and property in their domains.
He said, “Let me first of all, on behalf of the government, congratulate the four of you. It has not been an easy journey to get to this point. I know a lot of you have been working very hard to ensure the success of this day. Your appointment in terms of this recognition is not for personal aggrandizement, but a call for service, a responsibility to help us protect lives and property in your domains.”
The governor stated that though the government has the power to withdraw the recognition from any traditional ruler found wanting, it is not his intention to exercise such authority.
He also warned them not to use the privileged positions to create problems in their domains but to join forces with the government to ensure the success of the administration in its avowed commitment to deliver dividends of democracy to the people.
He said, “I don’t want you to see this elevation as another platform to create problems in your locality. We have the power to still withdraw the recognition but I don’t intend to do that. So, I want you to be partners with the government to ensure that we continue to succeed.
“I know that you are all men of integrity. Support the course of governance so that we can all succeed together. It is a privileged position and I am very sure that you are going to use it in the best interest of your people.”
