By SouthernVoicenews
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has urged traditional rulers to give priority attention to matters of security in their domains.
Oborevwori, made the call on Friday during the presentation of Staff of Office to His Royal Majesty, Simpson Sapele Obruche, Obruche 11, the Odion R’ode of Uwheru Kingdom, Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State.
The governor who was represented by his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, assured that his administration will continue to hold traditional rulers in high esteem.
He urged them to work closely with the law enforcement agencies and local government councils to ensure that peace prevail in their domains.
According to him; “the traditional institution remains a priceless legacy in any African society for which there is yet no credible substitute, as a rallying point for the people.”
The governor stated that traditional rulers should improve on the high sanctity of their office by leading their people to greater prosperity.
He urged them to be transparent while upholding the virtues of justice, fair play and equity in all their dealings with the people.
In an address delivered on behalf of Uwheru Traditional Council, the Chairman Central Planning Committee for the event, Hon. Esemeteye Benjamin, thanked Oborevwori for presenting the Staff of Office to their traditional ruler.
He observed that the kingdom has been under the siege of uninvited herdsmen who have taken over their God-given farmlands and have remained permanently inside the forests preventing her people from their farming activities.
He added that, the continuous stay of the herdsmen in their farmlands has not engendered peace in the kingdom, pointing that they wield AK-47s which they have used to cut short the lives of many able-bodied men and women in the kingdom.
He said, “The herdsmen rape our women in the farmlands and force villagers to offer gifts of bags of rice, packets of cigarettes, clothes, fish, and food items constantly attacked by herdsmen. We humbly implore Your Excellency to draw the attention of the Federal Government to our plight, particularly the impact of man-made flooding caused by the indiscriminate opening of major dams in Nigeria and neighbouring countries.”
Speaking further, he said, “As the Custodian of the people, customs, and traditions of our Kingdom, the Odion R’Ode enhances the effective performance of certain functions of governance, particularly Local Government Administration.
“To enable the Odion R’Ode to effectively carry out his functions of maintaining peace and harmony in our Kingdom, it is essential to provide a Permanent Palace. We, therefore, appeal that you assist the Uwheru Kingdom with a Permanent Palace that will serve as the Center of Authority, a symbol of our communal heritage, and ensure the required ambience, accessibility, and comfort.
“As loyal and peace-loving citizens of Delta State, we reaffirm our continued loyalty and support to the Delta State Government. We are committed to maintaining peace in the Kingdom, and with our neighbours. We will continue to create a conducive atmosphere for the successful implementation of Government policies, projects, and programs in our Kingdom and beyond.”
The Chairman, Ughelli North Local Government Area, Hon. Adode Godwin, at the occasion, urged the youths to ensure that peace is maintained in the kingdom while they channel their energy to positive activities.
He expressed worry over the constant attack of herdsmen on the kingdom, saying that the situation has become unbearable and called for prompt intervention of government to curb the situation.
Speaking further, Adode commended Oborewori for appointing Comrade Festus Ahon as his Chief Press Secretary who is from the local government area.