Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has appealed to traditional rulers in the state to ensure they confer titles only on credible persons in the society.
He made the appeal while declaring open the 107th Quarterly Meeting of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers in Port Harcourt, the state capital.
The governor urged traditional rulers not to promote the conferment of titles on criminally minded persons, saying that it would demean the structure of traditional stools in the state.
“Give titles to very credible persons in our communities, titles should be reserved for persons who have contributed meaningfully to societal growth.
“Always look at the credentials of people before you confer titles on them; that is the only way people can respect these titles,” he said on Wednesday.
Governor Wike further commended the royal fathers for their support to the peace initiatives of the state government which he said has enhanced peaceful coexistence across the state.
He said the improvement of peace has transformed the state into a destination of choice in the country and urged the leaders to sustain their efforts at promoting peace in their various communities.
He said: “Don’t relent in working for peace in our communities, there is no part of the state that will not benefit from our development drive. We have effectively reached 22 local government areas; the last local government area will be reached by the first quarter of next year.
“Your contributions have led to the reduction of crime in our communities. Now, we can sleep well and everyone wants to come to Rivers State. We are now hosting workshops, seminars and conferences.”
The governor also assured the traditional rulers that government would complete their secretariat in record time, adding that the process for the release of official vehicles to first class traditional rulers has commenced.
In his address, Chairman of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers and Amayanabo of Opobo, King Dandeson Jaja, commended the governor for restoring peace to the state.
He also promised him that the Council would continue to support the state government and urged Wike to continue with the classification of traditional stools in the state.
While thanking the governor for the construction of the Council’s state secretariat, King Jaja appealed to him to purchase and release official vehicles to traditional rulers.
He added that the numerous awards conferred on the governor are testimonies of his outstanding performance.
