As the who is who in Rivers State and beyond turned out en masse to celebrate the installation of former Minister of Transport, Dr Abiye Sekibo, as Chief and Paramount Head of Achin War Canoe House of Koniju Town and his admission into the Okrika Divisional Council of Chiefs, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike has declared that traditional rulers were critical to the development of the State.

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He stated that he has deep respect for traditional rulers, expressing regrets that some politicians in the state continue to play politics with the Traditional Institution.

The installation ceremony, which took place today at National Field, Okrika, was attended by the Amanyanabo and Natural Ruler of ancient Kingdom of Grand Bonny, His Majesty, King Edward Asimini William Dappa Pepple III, CON, Perekule XI, former Governor of Rivers State, Celestine Omehia, Director General of the Nigeria Maritime Administration and Security Agency (NIMASA), former Chairman of Greater Port Harcourt Development Authority (GPHDC), Chief Ferdinand Anabraba, and Rivers State Deputy Governor, Ipalibo Banigo.

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Others were former members of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Randolph Brown, and Rt. Hon. Tunde Akogun, a former Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Professor Jerry Gana, Amanyanabo of Okochiri, His Royal Highness Ateke Tom, members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, and Chairman of Bonny Local Government Area, David Irimagha, among other dignitaries.

“I have great respect for traditional rulers because they are critical to the development of our State. It is regrettable that some politicians always want to play politics with the traditional institution.

Wike stated that he will always promote the tradition and culture of Rivers people, noting that in all his engagements with traditional rulers, he has always maintained that they promote their respective ethnic nationalities.

“When I urge the Traditional Rulers to promote Rivers culture it is not aimed at disrespecting them. We must promote our own culture. We must show we are Rivers people.”

“Those playing politics with the traditional institution were the ones that balkanised the traditional institution in the State. What I said is “carry along your official staff of office, which distinguishes you as traditional rulers. Our traditional rulers must prove at all times that they are not second class citizens.”

He urged Chief Abiye Sekibo to use his experience and contacts to add value to the Okrika Divisional Council of Chiefs, saying that despite emerging as the head of Achin War Canoe House, Dr Sekibo’s contributions were still required in the political landscape.

“Use your experience to attract development to the area.  I want to commend the people for choosing Dr Abiye Sekibo. “

Speaking during the event, the Senator representing Rivers East Senatorial District, Senator George Sekibo said with the induction, Chief Abiye Sekibo was now a leader in charge of a division, noting that he is like a general in the army who should defend his people socially, economically, and otherwise.

“As a war canoe chief, you should be ready at every point in time to defend your people. To defend the citizens of your war canoe. Today’s defence is not necessarily war, it may be economic. Whatever challenge, it is required of you to salvage the situation”

On his part, Chairman of the Okrika Divisional Council of Chiefs, Chief Kala Wolo said Okrika people were happy with Governor Wike because he loves them and is committed to their development.  He informed that Okrika people will soon celebrate the Governor’s re-election.

The induction of Chief Abiye Sekibo as Head of Achin War Canoe House and admission into Okrika Divisional Council of Chiefs witnessed Traditional Dances, which climaxed with Chief Sekibo displaying before the audience.