BY SAMSON DUVWODE
The Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori has urged traditional rulers to give priority to the interest of their subjects.
The governor made the call, yesterday, during the presentation of Staff of the Office to HRM Samuel Fuludu, the Pere of Ngbilebiri Mein Kingdom in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State.
Represented by his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, Governor Oborevwori said that traditional rulers should endeavour to discharge their responsibilities to their subjects with transparency and fairness.
He said: “I am happy to be with you on this historic occasion of the presentation of Staff of Office to HRM Pere Samuel Fuludu, the Ogiogio II of Ngbilebiri-Mien Kingdom.
“On behalf of myself, the state government and the good people of Delta State, I congratulate Your Royal Majesty and indeed, all sons and daughters of Ngbilebiri-Mien, for the peaceful and smooth ascension of His Royal Majesty to the traditional stool of his ancestors. “In the same vein, I need not remind Your Royal Highness that in the discharge of your responsibilities, you should endeavour to be transparent, fair and just; you are the father of all your subjects and as such, you should have no favourites or enemies.
“As the custodian of the tradition of your people, it is important that you do not in words or action, give any cause for your subjects to doubt your integrity or ability to uphold the sanctity of the customs of your people.
“You will recognize that there are several prescribed rules and norms of your people, which you must adhere to as their ruler. “It is also important that you realize that though you are selected under a monarchial setting, the present democratic dispensation in the country deserves to influence your leadership style.
“I sincerely appeal to you to avoid any dictatorial tendencies but imbibe the democratic virtues of dialogue and consultation to achieve peace and harmony in this Kingdom during your tenure’’. Governor Oborevwori expressed confident that with the wealth of experience of the royal father, he would provide quality leadership that would promote the existing peace in the kingdom, assuring the people of his administration’s commitment to the development of the area.
The governor commended the people of Ngbilebiri Mein for their kind sentiment towards his administration, saying, “Such positive attitudes and support will further propel us to actualize the avowed commitment of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leadership in the State towards the promotion of the genuine aspirations of Deltans not only in the area of rapid infrastructural development but also empowerment of our people.
“I want to assure you that the Ngbilebiri-Mien community will not be forgotten in the development plans of this administration. As we savour the joy of this momentous occasion, I wish to sincerely appeal to all sons and daughters of Ngbilebiri-Mien to contribute towards the development of this community, while rallying around the new Ogiogio so that true peace and harmony will continue to be the lot of this peaceful Kingdom.
‘’Besides, I urge you not to allow elements of political divisiveness to detract this community from its goals of unity, progress and respect for your culture and traditional institution.” The Chairman of Burutu Local Government Area, Julius Takeme, in an address, commended Rt. Hon Sheriff Oborevwori-led administration for the various appointments given to sons and daughters of the area as well as the creation of the Ministry of Riverine Infrastructure.
Earlier, the community in an address read by Chief Ekpedibo Yerin, disclosed that the peace-loving Ngbilebiri-Mein kingdom has three distinct ruling houses and five autonomous communities.
The dignitaries present at the occasion were the member representing Burutu Federal Constituency, Hon Julius Pondi; the Head of Service, Mr Reginald Bayoko and others.
