Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has urged traditional rulers in Rivers State to use their authority to unite and develop their subjects.

Wike spoke, at the weekend, in Buguma, Asari-Toru Council of the state during a reception after the coronation of Dr Dax Alabo Kelly-George, a serving commissioner in Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s Cabinet, as Chief Diagbani (Fred) George Amachree II, Head of Diagbani Amachree group of houses.

The minister, who described the traditional institution as a key institution in the development of the society, expressed confidence in the ability of Kelly-George to unite and attract development to his area of authority.

He said: “Use your position for the interest of your people. Do not use your position to divide your people, use it to unite them, use it to bring development to your people. Knowing you well, I believe you would do the right thing.”

Describing the character of Kelly-George, who was a two-time Commissioner under him, Wike described the newly crowned chief as a dependable friend and ally, saying:  “He is a first-class brain and one of those you can give an assignment and go to sleep.

“This is another important assignment. To keep villages and communities together is not an easy task.
“You have been given another onerous task to keep the values and culture of your people when education and modernisation are trying to take away all our culture. It’s a very high assignment, but I know you are equal to the task.”

Wike was accompanied to the event by Speaker of Rivers State House of Assembly, Martin Amaehule; National Vice Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), South-South, Victor Giadom; former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Chibudum Nwuche, and Chairman of Rivers State APC, Tony Okocha, among other notable politicians in the state.