Unite For Regional Dev, Wike Urges S’South Monarchs

The Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike has called on traditional rulers from the South-South to work in unity to advance the development of the geo-political zone.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by the Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, yesterday at the Government House, Port Harcourt, Wike insisted that South-South traditional rulers should not be second class rulers.
He said: “The traditional rulers from South-South should work together to advance the development of the region.
“The Oba of Benin and the Amanyanabo of Opobo Kingdom should not be second class to anyone. Our traditional rulers must not be relegated by anyone. We should not see ourselves as second class citizens.”
Wike urged leaders of the South-South to stop the situation where militants determine who becomes the traditional rulers.
“Militants should never dictate what happens in communities. I am talking about traditional leadership.
“These days, you see people of no consequence coming forward to determine who becomes a traditional ruler because they carry guns. We must perform our roles and functions”, he said.
The governor called on South-South traditional rulers to work with the governors of the zone to chart out areas that require developmental interventions.
Wike said: “When we interact, you point out areas where you require the governors to develop and we can synergise for the good of the zone.
“We will work together to move the traditional institution forward. We also need the support of the traditional institution for the development of the zone.”
The governor called on the Oba of Benin to find a way to resolve the political feud amongst two leaders of Edo State.
“I want to humbly call on you to wade into the political crisis in Edo State. Though you are not a politician, it is necessary for the feud to be resolved. Please, find a way to address the issue”, Wike said.
He commended the Managing Director of Access Bank, Mr Herbert Wigwe for supporting the Benin Traditional Council.
Wike also called on the Oba of Benin Kingdom, to wade into the crisis between Governor Godwin Obaseki and the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Adams Oshiomhole.
He said although the monarch was not a politician, he has a role to play in ending the feud.
The governor called on the Oba of Benin to find a way to resolve the political feud amongst two leaders of Edo State.
He said, “I want to humbly call on you to wade into the political crisis in Edo State.
“Though you are not a politician, it is necessary for the feud to be resolved. Please find a way to address the issue.”
Eealier, the Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II said that his visit to Port Harcourt was in line with the tradition established by his late father.
He said: “Following the footstep of my father who came on a thank you tour after his coronation, particularly when we recall with nostalgia my father’s public service in Ahoada many years ago. Port Harcourt and Rivers State is indeed a second home.”
Oba of Benin said his visit is aimed at strengthening friendly and close relationships between the people.
“I am here to strengthen the friendly relationship and close affinity of our people. History has it that some of the tribes here trace their ancestry to Benin. This includes the Ikwerres, the people of Ahoada and Omoku”, he said.
He added that he was also in the state to meet with other traditional rulers to influence the process of development.
“We have been watching the progress in Rivers State and we are delighted to be here today “, he said.
The Oba condemned some practices which he said were wrong and amounted to turning our culture upside down, one of which is the Community Development Association (CDA).
The Oba noted that the idea of CDA has given children the opportunity to rule the elders, describing such practice as turning the culture and tradition of Benin upside down.
He said: “I will meet with the South-South Monarchs’ Forum who were present at the coronation so that we can share ideas with them on ways of strengthening the traditional institution in Nigeria and ensure the development and wellbeing of our people.
“We would like to use this opportunity of this visit to appreciate the cordial relationship between the good people of Edo State and the good people of Rivers State.”
He extended a special invitation to the Government and people of Rivers State to participate in the celebration of the Igue Festival and receive the blessing of doing so.

Kris Oluoh