From Babatunde Rahman, Lokoja
Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello has charged traditional rulers in the state to brace up and work toward enhancing peace and security in their domain.
The governor gave the charge on Tuesday during the occasion of presentation of staff of office to the newly appointed and graded traditional rulers in the state.
Gov. Bello who observed that the state cannot attain the desired development without peace and security, advised the monarchs to carry their subject along in whatever they were doing without sentiments and discriminations.
“It is very important to see your subjects as one irrespective of religion. Carry them along in whatever you do to foster unity among yourselves. Discrimination no matter how small cannot move a domain forward and I want all of you to take caution against such act” he cautioned.
He assured residents of the state that the forthcoming governorship election will be hitch free, calling on the key players in the election to abide by the rules of the game in order to have a peaceful conduct of the election.
The Attah Igala and President Kogi State Traditional Council of Chiefs, His Royal Majesty, Michael Ameh Oboni II in his speech commended Governor Bello for appointing and upgrading traditional rulers across the state.
He charged the newly appointed and upgraded monarchs to be up and doing, saying “to whom much is given much is expected”
The Royal Father also commended the Special Adviser to the Governor on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Engr. Abubakar Ohere for prioritizing the welfare of traditional institutions in the state.
Earlier, Ohere in his speech explained that in the past , politicization of the process of appointment, grading and upgrading, genuine agitation were completely denied leading to the large arrears of grading of chiefs in the state.
Ohere who disclosed that 19 first class, 27 second class and 82 third class were presented with staff of office at the occasion, charged the monarchs to be mindful of their roles and the consequences of change in their status.
“With the presentation of staff of office, it means that you are with the instrument of authority as a delegation from the governor of the state. You automatically belong to either Kogi state council of chiefs, Area or local government traditional councils.
“It is therefore expedient and instructive that you actively participate in your councils, in respect of opinions of other members and strictly observe the tradition, norms and values of your people” he advised them.
