The Rivers State Council of Government Recognized Traditional Rulers has requested from the Rivers State Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral ( Rtd) Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, the provision of official vehicles to traditional rulers, office, coaster buses and a Hilux for the council to ease their movement within and outside the State for the official engagements of the traditional rulers.
Chairman, Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers, His Majesty, Eze Chike Amadi Worlu-Wodo, Eze Oha Apara IV of Apara Kingdom, made the request at the 121st and 122nd Combined quarterly meeting, held at the traditional rulers Council Secretariat, on Friday June 6,2025, in port Harcourt.
Eze Worlu- Wodo emphasized the difficulties the traditional rulers face in carrying out their core and oversight functions without reliable means of mobility.
Eze Oha Apara Kingdom regretted that the request, sadly has dominated their engagements with Government of Rivers State for the past nine years.
The Monarch described the news that the traditional rulers received all over the state as quite cheering and symbolic of the peaceful life that Rivers State yearn for in the state, pointing out that the Rivers Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas Rtd, has brought back those glorious old days of harmonious living and peaceful co- existence the way it was.
He expressed gratitude to the Sole Administrator for providing funds for combined first and second quarterly meeting of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers in the year, 2025.
He also appealed to the Sole Administrator to considerably look into their request, especially in the face of the present economic realities.
In his speech, Rivers State Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas Rtd, stressed the need for the traditional institutions in the state to step-up its collaborative efforts in safeguarding public infrastructure in their respective domains.
While declaring open the 121st and 122nd combined quarterly general meeting of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas Rtd emphasized that traditional rulers are the custodians of the traditions of the Land and therefore, they play crucial roles in peace building.
The Rivers Sole Administrator, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Ibibia Lucky Worika, observed that traditional rulers must take deliberate steps within their Communities in securing government facilities against thefts and vandalism.
” Recall that on my assumption of office as the Administrator of Rivers State, I engaged with you at the Government House as part of my consultation with critical stakeholders with the sole aim of maintaining peace, Law and order in the state”.
” In our African tradition, we say when the roots of a tree begin to decay, it spreads death to the branches. This proverb reminds us of the foundational role traditional institutions play in the life of our Communities. You, our revered traditional rulers, are the roots – custodians of the culture, guardians of heritage, and stabilizers of the society. As royal fathers, you play a major role in peace building and its sustenance in your various communities and kingdoms. You must take deliberate steps in securing Government facilities in your communities to guard against thefts and vandalism”.
” We live in Homes where our Communities face myriad complex and interrelated challenges – security, social, economic, cultural, but our ancestors taught us , rain does not fall on one roof alone. We must rise together, support one another, and speak with one voice for the good of our people. Let this meeting be a reminder that unity is our greatest strength”, he stressed.
He maintained that his administration will not shield traditional rulers linked to disruption of peace and also reassured them of his desire to partner meaningful ideas from the institution to make the state greater.
On his vote of thanks, HRM, King GboGbo of Abonnema, thanked the Rivers Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas Rtd , for attending the meeting of the traditional rulers, while assuring him that the traditional rulers will play their role to ensure peace in the state.
