RSG To Work With New Ogoloma Monarch

Rivers State Government is to work with the newly crowned Amayanabo of Ogoloma, King E. T. I. Obudibo, Ikwo V, Governor Chibuike Amaechi has said.

Speaking at the final coronation ceremony of the traditional ruler at Ogoloma Town Square, last Saturday in Okrika Local Government Area, the Rivers State governor said government was ready to deliver the dividends of democracy to the ancient kingdom, just as he underscored the role the new monarch will play to ensure overall development of the area.

“I will like to work with you,” Amaechi declared as he handed over the staff of office to the Ogoloma king, stressing that, “I will also like to work with all Okrika people, so that Okrika will benefit from democracy.”

Amaechi promised that his administration will liaise with the council to ensure development and promised a separate town hall for him and Okrika to house activities of the traditional ruler.

The governor further noted that he was impressed by the king’s unassuming character,” saying I want to learn from you. You are very humble. I tell my friends from Okrika that you are a peace-loving man. With you, Okrika will know peace, and I will like to work with you”.

Hinting of plans to elevate the Ogoloma Amayanabo to a First Class traditioner ruler, the governor said he has to get the consent of all Okrika people first and also consult.” I will like to recommend him for a first class position, but I don’t know if Okrika will agree, but they have to agree first. I don’t know the culture, but Okrika must ‘say yes, we agree.’

Amaechi, therefore, congratulated him while thanking the people for the honour done him to witness the occasion.

Later, representative of wife of the President, Patience Jonathan, Dr Prescious Gbeneol urged the new monarch to be an instrument of peace and development, as traditional rulers must rise up to the transformation challenge.

She also harped on the need to ensure peace in his domain, urging him to support government in propagating government programmes.

Dr Gbeneol congratulated the king for ascending the throne of his father, and prayed God to protect him and honour him with a peaceful reign.

In his sermon earlier, Bishop I. T. Iwo of Grace Covenant Church said King Obudibo’s coronation marks the beginning of good things in Ogoloma, pointing out that the traditional ruler’s humility and patience have paved way for his elevation.

Rev. Iwo further said, “Ogoloma has gone through turbulent times but God’s hand is on the land.”