Fubara Urges Rivers Monarchs to Avoid Victimizing Anyone

Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has urged traditional rulers not to use their esteemed positions to oppress their opponents or those who did not support them during their ascension to the throne.

Fubara emphasized that the monarchs should view themselves as fathers and kings to all, without bias.

He encouraged the royal fathers to engage with all segments of their subjects with a spirit of inclusiveness, fostering peace, harmony, and sustainable development.

He called on them to set aside any feelings of hostility and to resist the urge to take retributive actions

. Instead, he advised them to embrace everyone with a spirit of forgiveness and work to include all in their domains.

Governor Siminalayi Fubara has also encouraged the newly recognized monarchs to collaborate with the State Government to promote peace and drive accelerated development in their communities.

Fubara offered this guidance while presenting certificates of recognition and staff of office to two first-class traditional rulers from Ikwerre and Obio/Akpor Local Government Areas at the Government House in Port Harcourt on Tuesday evening.

The information was shared in a statement issued by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, and sent to newsmen on Wednesday morning.

The two newly recognized first-class traditional rulers are His Majesty King Marcus Oduma Woyike, Nye Nwe-Ali Elele, Okinali/Elele-Alimini in Ikwerre Local Government Area, and His Majesty King Ndamzi Nsirim, Nye Nwe-Eli Rumueme Kingdom in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.

Fubara explained that the government’s actions were intended to officially recognize what the communities had already established through their traditional processes of selection and installation.

He emphasized that the stools had been legally recognized in the state.

He urged the monarchs to view their recognition as an opportunity to support good governance and protect their people’s interests.

Fubara stressed the importance of forgiveness and inclusivity, advising the rulers to work with all stakeholders and to foster peace and security within their realms.

The Governor remarked, “What we are doing here is just a fulfillment of what is already in place. The stool of Nye Nwe-Ali Elele has been gazetted and the selection process completed. This is simply official government recognition.”

He specifically advised King Marcus Oduma Woyike to collaborate with all stakeholders in his kingdom to ensure community peace and security.

He also urged him to work together with other traditional rulers to support the State Government’s efforts in delivering good governance and safeguarding the lives and property of the state’s residents.

Advising the newly appointed traditional rulers to use their positions to serve their communities selflessly, Governor Fubara emphasized, “This role is an opportunity that God has granted you. It is not meant to be used to harm your people.”

He acknowledged that the selection process might have involved conflicts or opposition but underscored that what matters now is their position of authority.

“Include everyone. Embrace a spirit of forgiveness. As a traditional ruler, everyone falls under your care, so work with them all.”

He concluded with well-wishes: “I wish you a successful reign. Let your time on the throne be remembered positively. Your ascension has a purpose—rule well, and God will be with you.”

Fubara also reminded the traditional rulers that his administration prioritizes the people and assured them of his government’s support to help them succeed in their duties.