Fubara tasks monarchs on peace, security, governance

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has reminded traditional rulers that their responsibilities are to promote government policies and programmes, uphold the rule of law and partner with the government to ensure the security of the state.

The governor, however, lauded the royal fathers for prompt response to their calls on his administration, especially when issues bordering on the peace, security, development and well-being of people in their domains are concerned.

He said that as a government that operates an open door policy and listens, it is committed to the pact with Rivers people to ensure a good life for all.

Governor Fubara gave the assurance while declaring open the 119th/120th Combined Quarterly General Meeting of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers (RSCTR) at its Secretariat in Port Harcourt yesterday.

The governor explained that his administration is about the people because it is sustained by their support and the grace of God. It is for such conviction, he said, that the administration is committed to protecting, preserving and promoting the interests of all people in the state without betraying their confidence and trust.

He said: “As you are aware, after the local councils, traditional rulers are the best partners that we have to translate the development aspirations of the grassroots into reality. You are, therefore, an indispensable development partner to the state government. As such, you must work with the state government to advance peace, security, and progress of your domains.

“You also have a responsibility to promote government policies and programmes, uphold the rule of law, and mobilise your people and resources to create an enabling environment for development to take place.

“The good news is that you have a governor and government in us who are able, ready and willing to work with all of you to actualise our collective vision for a peaceful and secure state with the best socio-economic environment and opportunities for all.”

Fubara appealed to the monarchs to be loyal and faithful to the government while supporting courses that advance the development of the state, its people and communities to become the envy of other states, adding that available resources have been managed in the last 16 months for maximum development impact, visible to everybody to see as modest achievements.