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Gov Fubara confers staff of office on Asari Dokubo, three other traditional rulers

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Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has presented staff of office and certificates to four newly recognised monarchs, including Mujahid Asari Dokubo, a former Niger Delta freedom fighter.

Dokubo was installed as His Royal Highness, the Amanyanabo of Torusarama Piri in Degema Local Government Area.

The other recipients included His Royal Majesty Winston Odize Alamina Oputibeya XII, the Amanyanabo of Koniju in Okrika Local Government Area; His Royal Majesty Eze Noble Friday Uwoh (CSP rtd), the Eze Igbu-Ehuda (Ahoada) IV in Ahoada-East Local Government Area; and His Royal Highness Prince Ike Ehie, the Eze Igbu Orilukwoe, also in Ahoada-East Local Government Area.

The event, held at the Rivers State Government House in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, marked the government’s recognition of the monarchs as cultural custodians and community leaders.

He said, “Let me first of all, on behalf of the government, congratulate the four of you. It has not been an easy journey to get to this point. I know a lot of you have been working very hard to ensure the success of this day. Your appointment in terms of this recognition is not for personal aggrandizement, but a call for service, a responsibility to help us protect lives and property in your domains.”

The governor stated that though the government has the power to withdraw the recognition from any traditional ruler found wanting, it is not his intention to exercise such authority.

He also warned them not to use the privileged positions to create problems in their domains but to join forces with the government to ensure the success of the administration in its avowed commitment to deliver dividends of democracy to the people.

He said, “I don’t want you to see this elevation as another platform to create problems in your locality. We have the power to still withdraw the recognition, but I don’t intend to do that. So, I want you to be partners with the government to ensure that we continue to succeed,” he pointed out.

He added, “I know that you are all men of integrity. Support the course of governance so that we can all succeed together. It is a privileged position, and I am very sure that you are going to use it in the best interest of your people.”

In his opening remarks, the State Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Engr Charles Amadi, said the newly recognized traditional rulers include two Royal Majesties and two Royal Highnesses, and commended Governor Fubara for adding to the number of Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers in the State.