In a move to improve security across the communities of Rivers State, Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has approved the release of security stipends to traditional rulers to assist them enhance community security.
Addressing the 102nd Quarterly General Meeting of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers on Wednesday, Governor Wike said that the security stipends will assist the traditional rulers to generate intelligence which will be forwarded to the security agencies for necessary action.
He said : “The security stipend to traditional rulers which will be disbursed to recognised traditional rulers will start from 2016. This stipend should not be used outside of gathering security intelligence.
“We shall also introduce special awards to traditional rulers who maintain peaceful communities. We believe these awards will encourage communities to take steps to improve security across the state”.
Governor Wike charged the traditional rulers to insulate themselves from partisan politics by ensuring that they remain neutral in all political matters.
He stated that being involved in politics diminishes the respect people accord to traditional rulers.
According to him : “You are custodians of customs and traditions and not custodians of politics. Your duty is to bless anyone that comes to you and not to make political pronouncements”.
Speaking further, Governor Wike said that the support of traditional rulers played a key role in the achievements of his administration.
He noted that his administration has restored the dignity of traditional rulers, noting that he will continue to liaise with them to attain greater development.
In his address, the Chairman of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers, King Dandeson Douglas Jaja, Jeki V, Amanyanabo of Opobo , commended Governor Wike for restoring the Quarterly General session of the council’s meeting. He said the last meeting was held over two years ago.
The Traditional Ruler commended the Governor Wike administration for the execution of pro-people development projects and the release of logistic support to security agencies.
