Rivers State Governor Siminilayi Fubara on Wednesday warned traditional rulers against allowing personal sentiments and political affiliations to undermine their neutrality.
He also urged them to prevent divisions and crises in their communities as the country approaches the 2027 general elections.
Fubara spoke while declaring open the 126th, 127th and 128th combined quarterly meeting of the Rivers State Traditional Rulers Council in Port Harcourt.
He said traditional rulers must remain fathers to all and ensure that their conduct promotes peace, fairness and unity.
The Governor warned that actions capable of deepening political divisions could trigger crises difficult for the government to manage.
“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 crises that we cannot manage as a government,” he said.
The governor urged the royal fathers to abide by the oaths and constitutional provisions governing their offices, stressing that the stability and progress of Rivers State should take precedence over individual interests.
He said traditional rulers had a responsibility to exercise their authority fairly and avoid conduct that could divide their communities along political lines.
“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,” Fubara said.
He added that prioritising the state’s collective interest was a principle he had also sought to uphold in his daily administration.
The governor’s appeal comes as political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 elections, placing renewed emphasis on the role of traditional institutions in promoting peace and preventing disputes at the grassroots.
Fubara also reaffirmed his respect for traditional rulers, describing them as custodians of culture and tradition and an important link between government and the people.
On demands for improved welfare, the governor said delays in addressing some requests previously submitted by the council were not attributable to the state government but to the council’s inability to put its house in order.
He clarified that stipends paid to traditional rulers by local government councils were statutory benefits and could not be changed through a governor’s verbal pronouncement.
Fubara, however, assured the royal fathers that he remained committed to fulfilling his promises to the traditional institution before leaving office next year.
He thanked them for their prayers and support, urging them to ensure that the meeting produced fruitful deliberations capable of strengthening peace and development across the state.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers and Paramount Ruler of Apara Kingdom, Eze Chike Amadi Worlu Wodo, commended the state government for maintaining a cordial relationship with the traditional institution.
Wodo highlighted the importance of traditional rulers in resolving conflicts, particularly disputes involving chieftaincy matters, family disagreements and land ownership.
He said their closeness to the people placed them in a strategic position to mediate in disputes and promote peaceful coexistence in their respective communities.
The traditional ruler, however, drew the government’s attention to challenges affecting the institution’s effectiveness, including the lack of official utility vehicles and logistical support.
He also appealed for increased monthly stipends and improved welfare provisions to reflect prevailing economic realities.
(vitalnewsngr.com)
