The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, retired Vice-Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, has said his administration will not protect traditional rulers fueling crisis in the state.
Ibas made the remark while declaring open the 121st and 122nd Combined Quarterly General Meeting of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers in Port Harcourt on Friday.
In a statement by the Head Press Unit, Office of the Secretary to the State Government, Juliana Masi, IBAS reassured the traditional rulers of his desire to partner with them to make the state greater.
Ibas highlighted the need for the traditional institutions in the state to step up and safeguard public infrastructure in their respective domains.
The Sole Administrator emphasized the crucial role that traditional rulers play in peace building, noting that they are custodians of the traditions of the land.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Ibibia Lucky Worika, Ibas stated that traditional rulers must take deliberate steps within their communities to secure government facilities against theft and vandalism.
He said, “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 our dear 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 culture, guardians of heritage, and stabilizers of 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 theft and vandalism.
“We live in times where our communities face myriad complex and interrelated challenges — security, social, economic, cultural, etc. But as 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 added.
