Stakeholders in Khana LG Advances traditional institutions’ Regularization, Declare the ‘Mene-bua Bori” Title Null and Void

A coalition of political and traditional stakeholders in Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State has taken a bold step towards sanitizing the area of all long-standing and recent security and political entanglements bedeviling it’s communities.

During a crucial meeting convened at the Suanu Finimale Nwika Hall in the premises of the Khana Local Government Secretariat, Bori, on Sunday, July 19, 2026, the stakeholders deliberated on issues bordering on peace, security, traditional institutions, and the overall development of the local government area.

They specifically issued a strong warning against the use of armed civilians for political purposes as electioneering campaigns begin to gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections, declaring that anyone whose actions result in the breakdown of law and order in the area will face the full weight of the law.

It was equally unanimously resolved that no recognised traditional stool known as “Mene-Bua Bori” exists in Khana, warning individuals or groups claiming such a title to desist immediately or face legal consequences, including any political leader found consulting, sponsoring or encouraging armed civilian groups.

The resolutions were presented by a former Deputy Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Leyii Kwanee, and unanimously endorsed by participants at the meeting, including religious leaders, politicians, traditional rulers, heads of non-governmental organizations, youth groups, and civil society organizations.

Some of the personalities present at the gathering included the Chairman of the Local Government Area, Thomas Bariere, member representing Khana/Gokana Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Dumnamene Dekor, State Pastor of Deeper Life Bible Church, Rivers East, Moses Nsanam, Humphrey Nnam, HRH Mene Benjamin Kii, HRH Nule Nam, amongst several others.

The stakeholders, however, frowned at what they described as the absence of some ‘government recognized traditional rulers’ and community leaders on government payroll from official meetings meant to discuss issues affecting the development of Khana without offering any reasonable explanation.
Other issues buttressed included observed disrespect for the traditional institution, which the resolution decried, calling on the Khana Legislative Assembly to enact a bylaw that would sanction individuals who ignore summons issued by constituted traditional authorities without lawful justification.

Regarding insecurity, participants maintained that Khana is not under any widespread security threat, but is witnessing isolated criminal activities arising from rival groups competing for supremacy and, therefore, urgent community leaders, security agencies and government officials to remain resolute in their efforts to sustain peace and tackle criminality.

They subsequently condemned the incessant incidence of vandalization on public infrastructure, calling on community leaders and residents to identify and report suspected perpetrators to law enforcement agencies to safeguard public assets.

Of particular mention was a recent successful security operation at a suspected criminal hideout around the Opuoko Bridge that forced several suspected criminals to flee, of which they commended the security agencies while urging residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious criminal elements seeking refuge in their communities to the appropriate security quarters.

Finally, the resolution climaxed with a collective commitment of the people of Khana to sustaining peace, strengthening traditional institutions, encouraging security collaboration, and promoting the continuous development of the local government area.