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Tag: traditional rulers

  • Kogi Govt vows to fish out abductors, killers of traditional ruler

    Kogi Govt vows to fish out abductors, killers of traditional ruler

    The Kogi Government on Wednesday vowed to fish out kidnappers and killers of traditional ruler of Aghara Bunu in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of the state.

    The traditional ruler, Chief David Obadofin, was reportedly kidnapped in his resident last week by yet-to-be-identified attackers, who later killed him.

    Mr Kingsley Fanwo, State Commissioner for Information and Communication, in a statement issued in Lokoja described David’s abduction and murder as “horrendous , criminal and reprehensible. ”

    “The APC-led administration of Gov Yahaya Bello will not rest until the abductors and killers of the innocent traditional ruler are arrested and brought to book.

    “The joy of our action on this heinous act is that we are making significant progress at apprehending the suspected masterminds.

    “This is because we are working in collaboration with security agencies to ensure those behind the attack and kidnap face the full wrath of the law, ” he said.

    Fanwo expressed sadness over the attack on the hitherto very peaceful community of Aghara Bunu community by “coward anti-socials” who also killed a woman and a young lady during the kidnapping of the traditional ruler.

    The commissioner said that the state government would stop at nothing to ensure it gets to the roots of the attack and also ensure the masterminds are brought to book.

    He said, “In as much as we wouldn’t want to give out much information about our ongoing investigations, we wish to state that significant progress has been made.”

    Fanwo disclosed that few suspects apprehended were giving useful information to law enforcement agents.

    According to him, reports of the investigations would be made public once concluded.

    “Government will continue to strengthen its anti-crime architecture to prevent breach of the peace and respond rapidly to any breach of the peace.

    “It is the responsibility of Government to protect her citizens are we remain unbending in our unwavering commitment to secure the lives and property of our people,” he assured.

  • Umahi lifts embargo on enthronement of traditional rulers in Ebonyi

    Umahi lifts embargo on enthronement of traditional rulers in Ebonyi

    Governor David Umahi has lifted the embargo on the enthronement of traditional rulers in communities across Ebonyi State.

    Umahi made the announcement on Saturday, during the All Progressive Congress (APC) Local Government Rally in Isu, the Headquarters of Onicha Local Government Area in the state.

    The governor had suspended the traditional ruler of Isinkwo community in Onicha Local Government Area, Mr Josephat Ikengwu, over alleged ongoing killings in his domain.

    The governor directed the Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy matters and Rural Development, Mr Donatus Njoku, to embark on plans to ensure a seamless exercise in the state.

    He warned that killings in the area must stop, adding that curse would follow perpetrators of such crime.

    He further promised the people that he would work hard to ensure elevation of Federal College of Education in Isu to a university level, if elected as Senator to represent the Ebonyi South senatorial zone of the state in February General Elections.

    Wife of the Governor, Mrs Racheal Umahi, appealed to the people to uphold the existing equity by voting for Mr Francis Nwifuru for Governorship and other candidates of the party, during the general elections.

    “In 2015, the Abakaliki people supported us, they sent their kings and queens to support us, this is the time to pay them back.

    “By the crowd here, I am sure we are ready to pay them back. Let us not mortgage our chances in the future. The people of the South should support the Ebonyi North people so that within another 16 years, it will be our turn again,” Mrs Umahi said.

    The APC Governorship Flagbearer, Mr Nwifuru and Speaker of the State House of Assembly, pledged to present people of Onicha, a pride of place, if elected as governor on March 11, governorship election in the state.

    Mr Chidiebere Agwu, the Council Chairman, Prof. Okorie Ani, Mr Donatus Njoku, Prof. Chigozie Ogbu, Mrs Chinyere Nwanoke, Mr Chika Nwangele, Mrs Elizabeth Onwe, among others, pledged that the people would ensure their victory.

    The candidate of the party for Ohanivo Federal Constituency, Mr Felix Igboke, while soliciting for votes of the people, assured them of positive representation at the National Assembly.

    The National Treasurer of APC, Mr Matthew Uguru and the Director General of Divine Mandate Campaign Council, Mr Austin Umahi, urged people of Onicha to vote the party’s candidates in the interest of equity, justice and fairness.

    The rally featured blessings and adoption of the governorship candidate and the other party’s candidates from the zone in the forthcoming general elections by the traditional rulers.

  • Delta north traditional rulers vow to swim and drown with Okowa come 2023

    Delta north traditional rulers vow to swim and drown with Okowa come 2023

    Traditional rulers in Delta North Senatorial District under the umbrella of Delta North Traditional Rulers Forum have vowed to support Delta State Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa if he emerges the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    The traditional rulers also promised to throw their weight behind Prince Ned Nwoko and Hon. Ndudi Elumelu in their quest for a seat in the Senate and Federal House of Representative respectively.

    The Monarchs said even when they are not card carrying members of any political party, that they have a right as stakeholders in determining who represents them in the state and national levels to ensure good governance.

    Chairman of the forum and immediate past chairman, Delta State council of Traditional Rulers, His Majesty Obi Dr EO Efeizomor 11 JP OON, Obi of Owa spoke on behalf of the Monarchs recently when Prince Ned Nwoko paid a courtesy visit to the forum in Owa palace ground.

    Obi Efeizomor, who was flanked by about thirty other kings , which includes Obi of Ubulu Unor, Obi of Umunede, Obi of Igbodo, Obi of Issele Uku and Ugoani of Okpanam among others said.

    We are very happy to see you in our mist , it is a mark of respect and honour for the traditional rulers , we appreciate you because of the respect you have for His Excellency, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, the Governor of Delta State, and the contributions and support you have made in ensuring that Okowa finishes strong” .

    “We are solidly behind Governor Okowa in the actualisation of the collective ambition to become the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria . We will swim or sink with him in this project , It is a task we will fight with all our strength , if he wins , we win , wherever he goes, we follow, he is our son .”

    The Monarchs also prayed for Prince Ned Nwoko in his quest for a seat in the Senate saying ” we need somebody like you to represent us at the Federal level because of your track record of humility and respect for constituted authority”, adding that ” with people like you and Ndudi Elumelu, it will be easy to attract development to the region and the state in general”.

    The Monarchs also described Ned Nwoko as a ” source of pride to Anioma nation” saying” we are solidly behind you”.

    The Monarchs said as part of measures to ensure a free and fair election in the region, the king’s in their respective Kingdoms have carried out enlightenment campaigns on the need for the subjects to get their PVC in readiness for the forthcoming elections adding that the traditional rulers have concluded plans to visit the INCE offices to know the state preparedness for the election.

    Prince Ned Nwoko ,PDP Delta North Senatorial candidate in his response thanked the royal fathers for their overwhelming love and solidarity.

    He said he would restore the glory of Anioma at the national Assembly.

    Nwoko pledged to ensure distinct constitutional role for Traditional rulers with appropriate legislation to promote their status as custodians of cultural values and history.

    The PDP senatorial candidate also gave assurance that the empowerment of youths and women as important stakeholders in the society, would his basic agenda at the Senate.

    The Delta North Monarchs who made the vow for Okowa and Nwoko were drawn from the nine Anioma local government areas of Ika North East,Ika South,Aniocha North,Aniocha South , Oshimili North , Oshimili South,Ndokwa East, Ndokwa West and Ukwuani.

  • Osun: New sheriff in town, Gov Adeleke dethrones monarchs

    Osun: New sheriff in town, Gov Adeleke dethrones monarchs

    Gov. Ademola Adeleke of Osun, on Monday, issued six executive orders reversing appointments made by former governor Gboyega Oyetola, including appointments of workers and installation of traditional rulers.

    This is contained in a statement by his Spokesperson, Malam Olawale Rasheed.

    The governor signed the executive orders on Monday, including an order freezing all the State Government accounts in all banks and other financial institutions.

    “The six executive orders to take immediate effect.

    “The orders cover chieftaincy matters, appointments issues, setting up of review panel, staff audit and employment matters.” he said.

    Others he said are for the immediate freezing of all the state government accounts in all banks and other financial institutions, order on Staff Audit – All Heads of Ministries, Departments, Agencies, Commissions, Boards and Parastatals of Osun State Government are directed to carry out immediate staff audit of the actual number of workers in their establishments as at July 17, 2022.

    The governor said all heads of agencies and parastatals are to file a report to the Office of the Chief of Staff to the Governor stating the full details and position/designation of each of the staff on the forwarded list, within seven working days from the date of the Executive order, using the Oath of Fidelity Template.

    The governor also nullified all employments in the service of Osun State Government made in any capacity into any capacity in all the Ministries, Departments, Agencies, Commissions, Boards and Parastatals after July 17.

    The governor also said all appointments in the service of Osun State Government made in any capacity into any capacity in all the Ministries, Departments, Agencies, Commissions, Boards and Parastatals after July 17, 2022 be and are reversed.

    The governor further said all appointments of traditional rulers made by Osun State Government after July 17, 2022, to be reviewed to ensure there was strict compliance with due process of chieftaincy declarations and native law, custom, and tradition relating to such chieftaincies.

    “In the case of Ikirun, Iree, and Igbajo, to avoid further breakdown of law and order, the appointments of Akinrun of Ikinrun, Aree of Ire, and Owa of Igbajo are hereby put on hold pending review.

    “Subsequently, the palaces of Akinrun of Ikirun, Aree of Iree, and Owa of Igbajo should remain unoccupied, while security agencies are hereby ordered to take charge,” he said.

    The governor said in line with the executive orders two, three, four, and five, the state government has ordered the setting-up of review committees on Staff audit/appointments/promotions, State assets inventory and recovery, Contractors/MoUs/agreements, and d. Chieftaincy matters/appointments of traditional rulers

  • South East traditional rulers, bishops call for Nnamdi Kanu’s release

    South East traditional rulers, bishops call for Nnamdi Kanu’s release

    The South East Council of Traditional Rulers and Representatives of Igbo Archbishops and Bishops have joined the call on the Federal Government to release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

    They made the call in a statement issued in Awka on Tuesday signed by Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, Chairman, Anambra Traditional Rulers Council, and Most Rev. Dr. Chibuzo Opoko, Methodist Archbishop of Umuahia.

    Others that signed the statement are Igwe Lawrence Agubuzu, Chairman, Enugu Traditional Rulers Council, and Most Rev. Dr. Valerian Okeke, Catholic Archbishop of Onitsha.

    The joint body said it welcomed the judgment of an Appeal Court which discharged Nnamdi and described it as an “unprecedented opportunity to overcome the challenge of trust that has obstructed the path to peace”.

    The joint body said it had been consistent in calling on all stakeholders for peacebuilding and resolution of security challenges in the South East based on justice, equity, fairness, and love.

    “We have also supported the call for the unconditional release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu by the Federal Government to douse the current tensions across the Southeast and create an atmosphere for collaboration towards a constructive resolution of issues.

    “The judgment of the Appellate Court presents a timely and unprecedented opportunity to overcome the challenge of trust that has obstructed the path to peace; and opens the window to winning the hearts and minds of the people.

    “We, therefore, unequivocally support the call for the immediate release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu in line with the unanimous judgement of the Court that his extradition and subsequent trial was illegal,” he said.

    The traditional rulers and bishops said they had undertaken extensive consultations with all stakeholders to broker a permanent, regionally coordinated restoration of the South-East.

    It said the march towards peace and the restoration of normalcy in the society and economy required the collective action of all people.

    According to them, we are confident that all Nigerians will rise to the summons of history and act with courage, conviction and integrity.

    Other stakeholders including Ohaneze Ndigbo and the elder statesman in Delta, Chief Edwin Clarke had earlier appealed to the Federal Government to release Kanu as the court directed in the interest of peace.

  • Gov. Bello Matawalle gifts traditional rulers 260 Cadillac cars

    Gov. Bello Matawalle gifts traditional rulers 260 Cadillac cars

    Gov. Bello Matawalle of Zamfara flagged off the distribution of 260 vehicles to traditional rulers in the state on Wednesday in Gusau.

    The flag-off was performed by the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar lll.

    The cars included brand new Cadillac 2019 Model for 17 Emirs, 13 Senior District Heads and 230 District Heads.

    Speaking at the event, Gov. Matawalle said the gesture was in recognition of the role of traditional institutions in maintaining peace in the state.

    “As we are all aware, the role of traditional rulers in fostering national unity, safeguarding our values, and serving as moral compass for our society cannot be overemphasised.

    “As premier leaders in our communities, traditional rulers play key roles in resolving conflicts and in assisting government to provide fatherly advice to their subjects in the interest of promoting peace and harmony.

    “As our leaders, we would stay steadfastly committed to providing for your welfare, safety and any essential support that will allow you to carry out your duties without incident and with bigger successes,’’ Matawalle said.

    The governor said the gesture was made also in recognition of the status of traditional institutions as custodians of religion and culture as well as vehicle of cohesion and peace.

    He expressed willingness to strengthen the traditional institutions and appreciate their efforts in tackling challenges arising from conflicts to build a more peaceful and prosperous state.

    Matawalle explained that his administration had never taken critical decisions regarding issues of public concern without due consultation with the royal fathers.

    “We rely on you for feedback regarding the impact of our policies as they affect the general public.

    “We always sit together with you to evaluate our policies, debate new options and strategise towards achieving the common objective of building a new Zamfara.

    “This, we shall continue all the time, by the grace of God,’’ he said.

    According to him, government will continue to work with the traditional institution to create a friendly environment for those wishing to contribute their fair share to the progress of Zamfara.

    Matawalle said government was also rehabilitating and reconstructing some of the palaces of the emirs, noting that some of the projects would soon be completed.

    The governor appreciated the Sultan for attending the flag-off and the inauguration of the secretariat of State Council of Ulama (religious leaders).

    Earlier, the Sultan applauded the governor for the gesture and urged the traditional rulers to ensure they maintained their role as fathers by offering articulate and sincere advice to political leaders.

    The Sultan expressed gratitude to Gov. Matawalle for his concern about the welfare of the two important institutions which remained the thread that held society together.

    The Sultan called on the beneficiaries of the gesture to continue to support the administration of Gov. Matawalle by offering their best efforts in ending the challenges facing the people.

    Sultan Abubakar admonished the Zamfara traditional rulers to ensure peace and peaceful coexistence among their subjects.

    He also commended the state government for establishing a Council of Ulama that brought together all Imams and clergymen under one umbrella to enhance unity among Muslims in the state.

    The Emir of Anka and Chairman of Zamfara Council of Chiefs, Alhaji Attahiru Ahmed, who spoke on behalf of his colleagues, thanked the governor for the gesture.

    Ahmed assured government of the traditional council’s continued effort to ensure peace and unity in their communities.

  • Anambra traditional rulers reacts to viral video of Obiano in EFCC custody

    Anambra traditional rulers reacts to viral video of Obiano in EFCC custody

    The Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council has reacted to the online video showing former Gov. Willie Obiano of Anambra in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    In a statement signed by its Chairman and Obi of Onitsha, Prof. Nnaemeka Achebe, the council stated that it was embarrassed over the viral video showing Obiano dressed in a red boxer shorts and a white T-shirt in the EFCC custody.

    The statement, which was made available to newsmen in Awka on Monday, decried the “inhuman treatment” to Obiano and queried how the video leaked to the social media.

    It called on President Muhammadu Buhari and the Attorney-General, Mr Abubakar Malami, to call the EFCC to order, “regarding the appalling condition Obiano is being subjected to”.

    The statement read: “The attention of the council has been drawn to a video clip circulating on the social media showing Obiano in EFCC custody wearing a red boxer shorts and a white T-shirt only.

    “The traditional rulers are utterly shocked and disappointed that someone of the status of a former state governor would be treated in such a distasteful and reprehensible manner by an agency of the Federal Government.

    “We are equally disturbed that such a video clip found its way out of the highly secure environment of the EFCC onto the social media, obviously, with the intent of causing maximum embarrassment to Obiano and, by extension, the people of Anambra.”

    Achebe further stated that “without prejudice to the responsibility of the EFCC to carry out its statutory duties, such treatment to Obiano is absolutely dehumanising and would not bring any value to whatever investigation being conducted by the EFCC”.

    He stated that the council, on behalf of all the traditional rulers in the state, “calls on the EFCC to treat Obiano with due civility.

    Achebe further urged the commission to “immediately restore Obiano to his personal comfort, whilst expeditiously working to conclude its investigation”.

    Obiano was arrested by EFCC in the evening of March 17 at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos.
    He was allegedly on his way out of the country shortly after handing over to Prof. Charles Soludo, when he was arrested.

  • We are not happy – Delta monarch, Ovie of Uvwie tells Osinbajo

    We are not happy – Delta monarch, Ovie of Uvwie tells Osinbajo

    The Ovie of Uvwie, Dr Emmanuel Sideso (Abe I) has used the opportunity of the visit of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo to his palace to express displeasure over the issue of constitutional role for the traditional rulers that was not considered by the National Assembly.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Vice President Osinbajo was in Delta State for the thanksgiving Mass of late Chief Patrick Ideh, a renowned legal practitioner and nationalist who passed away at the age of 95.

    The thanksgiving Mass was held at the Mother of The Redeemer Catholic Church, Effurun, Warri.

    After the Mass, the vice president, accompanied by Delta Deputy Governor, Kingsley Otuaro, paid courtesy visits to the palaces of the Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom, and Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III.

    Receiving the vice president in his palace, Sideso thanked Osinbajo for his respect for traditional rulers.

    He, however, said that traditional rulers in the country are not happy that the issue of constitutional role for the traditional rulers was not considered by the National Assembly.

    “You have always been there for us; I am the Chairman of the National Traditional Rulers Summit in Abuja.

    “The last summit we held, you represented the president; you physically came and stayed with us throughout the summit.

    “On behalf of the traditional rulers in the whole country, we are appealing to you and the president to look at this again; I don’t think it is too late to look at it and perhaps call us and advice us on why it cannot be done at the moment.

    “We are the grassroots people; and if there is any problem, you people come to us and seek our prayers because you are our children,’’ he said.

    He urged the vice president to intervene in the quest for a constitutional role for the traditional institution.

    In his response, Osinbajo said he was in the kingdom to honour late Chief Ideh who is an illustrious son.

    The vice president said he is hopeful that the National Assembly would eventually attend to the question of constitutional role for traditional rulers.

    “But I think that there is a genuine desire by traditional rulers to be more intricately involved; to be more directly involved in governance and government in Nigeria.

    “And just going by the track record that we see even in this kingdom, it is very evident that your role has been instrumental in keeping the peace here.

    “So, I think traditional rulership is so important in keeping law and order and in maintaining peace in all of our communities.’’

    At the palace of Olu of Warri, Osinbajo congratulated Atuwatse for ascending to the throne of his fathers.

    He said the traditional institution has a vital role to play in addressing the security challenges in the country.

    “As you know, coming into office, we had on top of our agenda, as the president stated, the economy, security, governance, and corruption.

    “The role of the traditional council, the traditional rulership in our country is critical to security; absolutely critical and I am happy that this is something that you also, not only recognises, but accept as a major function of the traditional rulership.’’

    Osinbajo said that he and the deputy governor had worked extensively in some of the conflicts in oil producing communities that had led to a decline in oil production.

    He said that they were able to achieve results by going round to speak to various communities.

    “We want to see that security challenges; oil theft and some of what we are seeing in the Delta and in many of our oil producing communities are swiftly brought to an end,’’ he said.

    Atuwatse had earlier in his welcome remarks, said that Osinbajo’s visit was divine as it coincided with the end of the week the kingdom visited Itsekiri communities in other parts of Nigeria, including Ogun and Kogi States.

    According to him, there is an affinity between Itsekiri people and Osinbajo as the vice president is their in-law through his marriage to late Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s granddaughter.

    In response to the vice president’s remarks, Atuwase said that traditional rulers were committed to ensuring security and unhindered oil production.

    “I am very happy that our deputy governor is here and will bear witness to our commitment to not only security in this axis but in ensuring that the oil production here does not dwindle, especially now with global events – oil is now approaching US$120 per barrel.

    “And Nigeria has to, as much as it can, benefit from that development; not quite long ago, we did something unprecedented.

    “Traditional rulers are here to ensure that they are bridge builders between government and the people.

    “We have committed ourselves to ensuring that where we had a hitch in Ogidigben — where the production was shut down, we have committed ourselves to making sure that not only are things restored but the International Oil Companies (IOCs) commitment to the community, which as the cause of the breakdown, is finally resolved.’’

    He said he is willing to collaborate with the Federal Government in ensuring lasting peace and transforming the Niger-Delta region.

    “Please, let the president know that once there is anything that resembles a security situation, he can call on us and he has our full cooperation,’’ Atuwatse said.

  • 2023: Avoid being partisan but remain watchful – Sen. Abe tells Rivers traditional rulers

    2023: Avoid being partisan but remain watchful – Sen. Abe tells Rivers traditional rulers

    …describes Gininwa as stable factor

    Former representative of the Rivers South-East Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Senator Magnus Ngei Abe, has advised Rivers traditional rulers to avoid being partisan but remain watchful of things happening around their as 2023 general elections approaches.

    The very vibrant senator while in the Red Chamber, described the President of the Supreme Council of Ogoni Traditional Rulers, King Godwin Gininwa, as a stable factor that has been able to bring the people of Ogoni Ethnic Nationality together and move them forward.

    Abe, who spoke at King Gininwa’s Palace at Korokoro-Tai in Tai Local Government Area of Rivers State, during a ‘thank you’ visit to the traditional rulers said: “If you say you are a traditional ruler and as such not interested in what happens in the country, when things go wrong you are the first person they will even hold.

    “When the community scatters, when people cannot sleep in their houses, it is you that they will call so you can’t be too far from what is happening around you.

    “You should not be partisan and you have not been partisan, but it’s important that you should look around you and be aware of what is going on in the community,” he further stated.

    Describing Gininwa as a father to all Ogonis, Abe said that the Supreme Council of Ogoni Traditional Rulers was one institution that have stood tall despite all the challenges in Ogoniland.

    The Senator said: “The first thing that brought me here is to honour the Supreme Council of Ogoni Traditional Rulers and in particular the President, King Godwin Gininwa.

    “I came here today because you have been a father to us, you have been the one stable factor that has been able to call us together and move us forward.

    “The Supreme Council is one institution, that at all given times when we had faced challenges in Ogoni, the Supreme Council have been able to stand tall.

    “You will recollect Your Majesty, that even when we started this particular political journey, it was the Supreme Council that called the Ogoni people together and brought President Muhammadu Buhari here, which is the foundation of the current relationship that the Ogoni people have with the President.

    “Secondly, your Royal Majesties and Highnesses, I came here to thank you deeply for the title and honour you gave to me as MENE SUANU 1, of Ogoniland (King of Wisdom). Your Majesties, we all know that men and women are honoured in their different communities for different achievements, but this is one honour conferred on me that I will always cherish”.

    Responding, Gbenemene Tai Kingdom and President, Supreme Council of Ogoni Traditional Rulers, King Godwin Gininwa, appealed to political parties and people of the State to consider choosing a governor from the Ogoni Ethnic Nationality.

    Gininwa, who noted that the Ogonis have supported other Ethnic Nationalities in the past to be governors, said the area is blessed with capable hands to lead the State.

    He said: “I want to make an appeal that Rivers people should change their minds, we are part and parcel of this State. Ogoni people should be considered for governor this time. We have those that are qualified in our land to govern this State.

    “I appeal to the Ogoni people that in this 2022, that there should be peace in Ogoniland, there should be peace in Rivers State. I want Ogoni people to respect and support the government in power. The governor is our Governor. We don’t have two governors. Love yourselves, stop the shootings and killings in Ogoni, enough is enough.

    “Magnus Abe is our Son and we love and respect him. We wish and wait for the day he will come and tell us that he is running for the Governorship of Rivers State in 2023, we will support him. We need a Government that loves the people,” he stated.

  • Osinbajo, good presidential material – Bayelsa traditional rulers

    Osinbajo, good presidential material – Bayelsa traditional rulers

    The Bayelsa Traditional Rulers Council says Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has the potential to be a good president.

    King Malla Sasime, Vice Chairman, Bayelsa Traditional Rulers Council, expressed this view while receiving Osinbajo who paid a courtesy call on traditional rulers at the Bayelsa Traditional Rulers Council Secretariat on Saturday in Yenagoa.

    Osinbajo was in Bayelsa to perform the groundbreaking of the construction of Angiama-Oporoma Bridge, which will link Yenagoa, Capital of Bayelsa, and the Southern Ijaw Local Government Area.

    The traditional ruler thanked Osinbajo for the visit and implored him to maintain the cordial relationship with the state.

    “Vice President, your name has been called for very good reasons; and the reason why your name has been on is maybe people think that you have been very good and we appreciate your efforts in governance.

    “If you come out for president, you will be a good material as those rumours are all over the place in the social media.

    “So, we thank you for being a good vice president; we hope that you keep your relationship with Bayelsa in very good stead; thank you very much,’’ he said.

    Responding, Osinbajo, who was accompanied by Gov. Douye Diri, thanked Sasime for his kind welcome and reception.

    He said that he was in the state to identify with developmental projects of the governor in collaboration with the Federal Government.

    “As you have heard, I am here at the invitation of my brother, the Governor of Bayelsa, to celebrate the second year anniversary of his government and also to look at some of the works that are going as well as perform the groundbreaking of a very important project.

    “We will be driving in a few minutes on the Yenagoa-Oporoma-Ukubie road; and thereafter, we will be performing the groundbreaking of the Angiama-Oporoma Bridge–which are very crucial projects.

    “I am sure you all know how important that road project is; and how several governments have worked on it including the immediate past governor of the state.

    “They have done their own bit up to a point and in the true tradition of continuum of the government, the current governor is set to complete the project and to ensure that he made available to the good people of Bayelsa, especially many of these communities that will benefit significantly from this.’’

    According to the vice president, the project is an evidence of the collaboration between the federal and state governments.

    He said that President Muhammadu Buhari had shown by his openness, by his desire to ensure that despite political differences, every state in Nigeria benefits fairly and justly.

    “By making sure that as this road has been built, the Federal Government refunded the cost of the project so far and will continue to refund.

    “So, essentially, what we are seeing here is collaboration between the state and the Federal Governments for the benefit of the good people of Bayelsa.

    “I think that this is the way it must be; at the end of the day, political differences do not matter to our people; what our people want is the same thing everywhere across the country.

    “They want good roads; they want good infrastructure; they want an enabling environment to be able to do their businesses; they want good health facilities; good social facilities; and that’s what really the Federal Government is determined to do.’’

    Osinbajo said he was happy that the Federal Government had a partner in the government of Bayelsa, led by Diri.

    He said sure desires could only be achieved if everyone works together, the federal, state, local governments working together.

    “The politicians and technocrats are working together to ensure that we achieve the same objective.”

    He thanked the governor for the warm welcome and for the nice Ijaw outfit that he (Osinbajo) wore.

    “When you look at this outfit, you would imagine that this is what I wear everyday; it is well made but it is courtesy of my dear brother, Diri.

    “He is the one that made sure that I am appropriately attired.

    “All, I can say to him is that he has to make me a few more because after people have seen this, they expect me to show up more often in this outfit.

    “So, I want to thank you very much your Royal Majesties and thank the good people of Bayelsa for the warm welcome,’’ he said.

    Osinbajo was earlier presented with a traditional gift — a walking stick — to match the Ijaw traditional attire he adorned.