Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has urged traditional rulers to remain politically neutral ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning that partisan conduct could fuel divisions and crises in their communities.
Fubara said monarchs must uphold their responsibility as fathers to all, ensuring that their actions promote peace, fairness and unity rather than deepen political tensions.
The governor gave the warning on Wednesday while declaring open the combined 126th, 127th and 128th quarterly meeting of the Rivers State Traditional Rulers Council in Port Harcourt.
“Please, as we are entering into this political season actively, everyone should ensure that your conduct promotes peace in your place. Your actions should not be what would lead to the division and multiple crises that we cannot manage as a government,” he said.
He urged the traditional rulers to abide by the oaths and constitutional provisions governing their offices, stressing that the collective interest of Rivers State must take precedence over personal sentiments and political affiliations.
“I want to enjoin everyone to keep aside issues of individual sentiments and ensure that the interest of our state supersedes whatever thing that we have in our mind,” Fubara said.
He noted that traditional rulers wield considerable influence at the grassroots and must exercise their authority responsibly to prevent political disagreements from escalating into communal conflicts.
The governor also reaffirmed his respect for the traditional institution, describing royal fathers as custodians of culture and tradition and a vital link between government and the people.
On the welfare of traditional rulers, Fubara said delays in addressing some requests previously submitted by the council were not the fault of the state government but resulted from the council’s inability to put its house in order.
He clarified that stipends paid to traditional rulers by local government councils were statutory benefits and could not be altered through a verbal pronouncement by the governor.
Fubara, however, assured the monarchs that he remained committed to fulfilling his promises to the traditional institution before leaving office next year.
He thanked the royal fathers for their prayers and support, urging them to ensure that the meeting produced practical recommendations to strengthen peace and development across the state.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers and Paramount Ruler of Apara Kingdom, Eze Chike Amadi Worlu Wodo, commended the state government for maintaining a cordial relationship with the traditional institution.
Wodo highlighted the role of traditional rulers in resolving disputes, particularly those involving chieftaincy matters, family disagreements and land ownership.
He said their close relationship with residents positioned them to mediate in conflicts and promote peaceful coexistence within their communities.
However, the traditional ruler drew attention to challenges affecting the institution’s effectiveness, including inadequate logistical support and the absence of official utility vehicles.
He appealed to the state government to increase monthly stipends and improve welfare provisions to reflect prevailing economic realities.
