…Says traditional rulers must remain fathers to all, custodians of culture
Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara (fourth from right)in a group photograph with members of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers at their Quarterly Meeting held in Port Harcourt on Wednesday.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has urged traditional rulers in the state to maintain political neutrality, promote fairness and preserve peace in their respective domains as political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Fubara gave the charge on Wednesday while declaring open the 126th, 127th and 128th combined quarterly meeting of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers in Port Harcourt.
The governor cautioned the royal fathers against actions capable of creating divisions, escalating political tensions and triggering crises that could undermine the peace and stability of the state.
He stressed that traditional rulers, as custodians of culture and tradition, must remain fathers to all, irrespective of political affiliations, personal interests or differences among members of their communities.
“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 division and multiple crises that we cannot manage as a government,” he said.
Fubara urged the traditional rulers to uphold the oaths they swore to and abide by the provisions governing their respective stools, stressing that their commitment to justice and fairness was essential to the stability and development of Rivers State.
He also called on them to set aside personal sentiments and place the collective interest of the state above individual considerations.
“I want to enjoin everyone to keep aside issues of individual sentiments and ensure that the interest of our state supersedes whatever we have in our minds,” the governor said.
A cross section of royal fathers at the Quarterly Meeting of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers in Port Harcourt on Wednesday.
He added that prioritising the state’s interest was not merely a public declaration but a principle that had guided his day-to-day administration.
On the welfare of traditional rulers, Fubara explained that delays in addressing some of their previous requests were attributable to the council’s inability to resolve certain internal issues rather than a lack of commitment by the state government.
He also clarified that monthly stipends paid to traditional rulers by local government councils were statutory provisions and not benefits a governor could alter through verbal pronouncements.
The governor, however, assured the royal fathers that he remained committed to fulfilling his promises to them before leaving office next year.
Fubara reaffirmed his administration’s respect for the traditional institution, describing royal fathers as custodians of the state’s cultural heritage and an important link between the government and the grassroots.
He thanked them for their prayers and support, urging participants to use the combined quarterly meeting to deliberate on issues that would strengthen peace, unity and development across the state.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers and Paramount Ruler of Apara Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Eze Chike Amadi Worlu Wodo, expressed appreciation to the state government for sustaining a cordial relationship with the traditional institution.
Wodo highlighted the critical role of traditional rulers in conflict resolution, noting that their proximity to the people positioned them to mediate disputes involving chieftaincy matters, family disagreements and land ownership.
He, however, drew the government’s attention to challenges confronting the institution, particularly the lack of official utility vehicles and adequate logistical support to enable traditional rulers to discharge their responsibilities effectively.
The council chairman also appealed for improved monthly stipends and better welfare packages to reflect prevailing economic realities.
