Rivers: Asari Dokubo, 3 others get staff of office as traditional rulers

By Ayorinde Oluokun/Abuja

A former agitator in the Niger Delta, Mujahid Asari Dokubo was among the four new traditional rulers who were handed certificate of recognition by Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara on Tuesday.

Dokubo, was recognized as His Royal Highness, the Amanyanabo of Torusarama Piri in the Degema Local Government Area of the state at event, held at the Rivers State Government House in Port Harcourt.

The others who were recognized as monarchs at the event by Governor Fubara are: HRM Winston Odize Alamina Oputibeya XII, as the Amanyanabo of Koniju in the Okrika Local Government Area; HRM Eze Noble Friday Uwoh (CSP rtd) as the Eze Igbu-Ehuda (Ahoada) IV in the Ahoada-East Local Government Area; HRH Prince Ike Ehie as the Eze Igbu Orilukwoe also in the Ahoada- East Local Government Area of the state.

Speaking after handing over the certificate of recognition to the new monarchs, Fubara urged them to deploy their new position to foster unity, peace, and development in their communities and in Rives state at large.

The Rivers State Governor also urged the new traditional rulers not to see their new positions as opportunities for personal aggrandizement, but as a call for service and responsibility to help the government protect lives and property in their respective domains.

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.”

Fubara also informed the new monarchs 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 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.”

Rivers Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Engr Charles Amadi, had while speaking earlier noted that the newly recognized traditional rulers include two Royal Majesties and two Royal Highnesses.

He also commended Governor Fubara for increasing the number of members in the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers with the recognition of the new monarchs.