Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State, on Saturday presented the staff of office to the new Ejeh of Ankpa, Alhaji Abubakar Ahmed Yakubu, with a charge to him to unite his subjects for a lasting peace to reign in the ancient town.
Bello, also charged the Ejeh’s to be impartial and ensure justice and fairness in his his handling of the affairs of the community.
“As the paramount ruler of Ankpa, the Ejeh is now entrusted with the responsibility of becoming the father of all, tasked with the duty of dispensing justice without bias or favoritism,” Bello said.
He urged the Ejeh to cultivate unity among his people, “as unity is pivotal to ensuring the security and prosperity of Ankpa.
“Today, we are here to celebrate you, my brother Alhaji Abubakar Yakubu, as the 4th Ejeh Ankpa, through the presentation of the Staff of Office.
“With this honour, you have become the father of all, and you must be just and equitable in all circumstances.
” Ankpa is blessed with abundant natural and human resources, and you can only harness these resources in an atmosphere of peace and tranquility.”
Bello also stressed the importance of peaceful co-existence, especially as the state approaches the upcoming governorship election.
He appealed to the people to refrain from actions that could jeopardise the peace of the state.
He said : “This is election season, and representatives from various political parties are present here.
“You can see my brother, Rear Admiral Jibrin Usman, the Accord party candidate for the November 11 governorship election, seated alongside the APC candidate for the same election, Hon. Usman Ododo.
“They are engaged in discussions about the issues. I implore all of you to adhere to the rules.
“There will always be a forum where we can convene to discuss the growth and development of our state.
“Our government is resolute, and the security agencies are vigilant. No act of violence will be tolerated before, during, and after the election.
“I am confident that our party, the All Progressives Congress, will emerge victorious. I appeal to you to steer clear of violence entirely.”
The presentation of Staff of Office to Alhaji Abubakar Yakubu, the 4th Ejeh Ankpa, attracted dignitaries from all walks of life.
They include the Atta Igala and Chairman of the Kogi State Traditional Council of Chiefs, His Royal Majesty Mathew Alaji Opaluwa Ogwuche-akpa, the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, the Etsu Nupe, Dr. Yahaya Abubakar, the Governor of Katsina State, Mallam Diko Umar Rada; former Governor of Kogi State, Capt Idris Ichalla Wada; former Governor of Katsina State, Alhaji Ibrahim Shema; the Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shaibu Audu, as well as eminent sons and daughters of the state.
This auspicious event marked the commencement of a new chapter in the history of Ankpa. (vitalnewsngr.com)
