Gov. Bello Present Staff-of-Office to 104 Newly Appointed, Graded, Upgraded Traditional Rulers in Kogi
As the saying goes; “a child who washes his hands well dine with the elders”
This is the story of the Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello, as traditional rulers from within and outside the State stormed the Muhammadu Buhari Civic Centre – Lokoja, to witness the Presentation of Staff-of-Office to the Newly Appointed, Graded and Upgraded Traditional Rulers in Kogi State.
One hundred and four (104) traditional rulers – 31 first Class, 30 second Class and 43 third class chiefs across the 21 Local Government Areas of the State received their Staff-of-Office at the event.
Governor Bello, while presenting the Staff-of-Office to the Traditional Rulers, appreciated God for making the event a reality.
He said his administration prioritizes peace, progress, tranquility and development, stressing that traditional rulers in the State played significant role at making such come to fusion.
“The peace, progress, oneness, security of lives and property, tranquility and the development we are witnessing today in Kogi State wouldn’t have been possible without the cooperation of our traditional rulers
“If we really need peace and development in Nigeria, let’s include our traditional rulers in our programs and activities both in the Local, State and at the National levels
“Let’s recognize them as the fourth tiers of government because they play significant role in the society
“Our traditional rulers are the owners of our lands; all crimes are committed on the land, reach out to them, then you will be able to fight and curb crimes and criminalities as expected” he said.
Governor Bello explained that those given Staff-of-Office were carefully selected and due process was followed, noting that he will not relent at prioritizing the traditional institution in the State.
While appreciating President Muhammadu Buhari for his support at all times, he prayed God to continually grant the President sound health and more insight to enable him succeed.
Governor Bello said he will continue to meet the yearnings of the people of the Confluence State, urging them to sustain the peace existing in Kogi State.
“We followed the rules and regulations at choosing you all following your contributions towards the development and sustenance of peace in the State
“Please continue to hold forth for our people, we will continue to work with you at all times
“Let me at this point appreciate our Father, President Muhammadu Buhari, for first sending representatives to this event and for giving Kogi State a shoulder to always lean on
“To everyone that left other things behind just to be at this event, we say thank you so much for your show of love and support to this government and for always cooperating with our traditional rulers
“We will sustain fairness, equity and justice at all times, my administration will continue to live up to expectations”
While responding to an earlier request by the Obaro of Kabba, Gov. Bello directed the State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs to in his usual manner, do the needful by ensuring the grading and upgrading of other merited traditional stools across the State before the end of the year.
In a remark, the State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Barrister Salami Ozigi Deedat, appreciated Governor Bello for his uncommon attention to the welfare of traditional rulers in the State.
Barr. Deedat noted that traditional institutions in Kogi State has never had it so good until the coming on board of Governor Bello, pointing out that the Governor has been responsive to the plight of the people.
While charging the Traditional Rulers to live up to their responsibilities, the legal luminary also enjoined them to ensure peace and uphold the unity of the people of their domain.
In a remark, the Attah Igala, (HRM) Matthew Alaji Opaluwa Oguche Akpa, described Governor Bello’s gesture to the Traditional Institutions in the State as unprecedented, praying God to continually guide him and members of his cabinet as they continue to discharge their duties.
The Attah Igala, who is also the President, Kogi State Council of Chiefs, enjoined traditional rulers to rule with the fear of God and as well, accord attention to the security of lives and property of their subjects.
Others, including the Obaro of Kabba, Oba Williams Dele Owoniyi, commended the Governor‘s efforts at rebranding traditional Institutions in the State, calling on him to sustain such gesture.
The event featured Presentation of Staff-of-Office, Oath of Office/Oath of Allegiance, Cultural Display, among others.
Traditional Rulers, Political appointees, supporters and other well wishers throng to the Muhammadu Buhari Civic Centre Lokoja, venue of the event to witness the occasion as the venue was filled to the brim.
