Fubara urges traditional rulers to be “fathers to all”

Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has charged traditional rulers in the State to maintain neutrality, ensure fairness and uphold peace in their domains as the country enters the active political 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 Traditional Rulers Council, in Port Harcourt.

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The Governor said the primary function of traditional rulers is to administer justice and ensure fairness, saying their conduct must not lead to division and unmanageable crises.

“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 the division and multiple crisis 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.

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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 Rivers State.
He enjoined the royal fathers to set aside individual sentiments and place the interest of Rivers State above personal considerations, noting that this principle has guided his own day-to-day governance of the State.
“I want to enjoin everyone to keep aside issues of individual sentiments and ensure that the interest of our state supercedes what ever thing that we have in our mind. This is not just what I’m saying here, it is what I’ve also practiced and displayed in my day to day life in the governance of our dear state,” he said.

On the appeal for improved welfare for the traditional rulers, Governor Fubara clarified that the delay in actualising some of the requests they made in the past, was not from the Government but from the inability of the Council to put its house in order.

Governor Fubara explained that the issue of stipends paid to the traditional rulers by the Local Government Councils, was a statutory benefit provided for in the constitution and not what a state governor can change by mere verbal pronouncements. He assured that he remains a man of his word and will fulfill 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 that the combined quarterly meeting featured fruitful deliberations that will strengthen peace and development in Rivers State.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers and Paramount Ruler of Apara Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Eze Chike Amadi Worlu Wodo, expressed profound gratitude to the state government for its efforts in 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 places them in a strategic position to mediate in disputes involving chieftaincy matters, family disputes and land ownership in their respective communities.

The royal father drew the attention of the state government to some challenges affecting the performance of the traditional institution, particularly the lack of official utility vehicles and logistical support needed to discharge its responsibilities effectively. He also appealed for improved monthly stipends and better welfare provisions to reflect prevailing economic realities.

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