Tina Amanda
The Amayanabo of Bille Kingdom, King Ngowari Herbert Agbani has described the recognition and elevation of some traditional stools by the state government as a gesture geared towards development.
Speaking in an interview with our Correspondent, King Agbani while thanking the state government for the recognition of the Bille ancient stools, appealed for more government presence in Bille as the kingdom lacks basic infrastructure development.
King Agbani, however, assured that as a traditional ruler, he will continue to use his traditional stool to ensure sustainable peace and development in Bille kingdom.
According to him, “We feel happy because it is a step forward though what we wanted at this age is first class, but this is okay for now. As a second-class King, my primary duty is to bring forth peace and order in Bille communities and their environs.
“In Bille, the government needs to elevate more stools, having done that, they have to look into other areas, what you see on ground in Bille are personal investments, you do not see much of government presence.
“We lack basic infrastructural amenities in our communities such as portable pipe borne water, good health care centers amongst others. Let government presence be seen around us, we are government-friendly.”
The Amayanabo reiterated that his five-point agenda for development is in line with Bille Kingdom vision 2040, to turn the kingdom into a smart city as obtainable in various parts of the world.
“In the next ten years, Bille kingdom should be a haven in line with Bille vision 2040 and my five-point agenda which are cultural heritage, sustainable development, territorial integrity, and socio-economic development, in pursuing this course we are pursuing vision 2040.
“All hands are on deck in Bille. Children and adults are implementing vision 2040 and we are having a breakthrough. The physical development in Bille currently will challenge you that we are pursuing something, we have worked on ring roads, and the waterfront has been given a new facelift. We want Bille to be a smart city.”
He, however, called on government agencies and relevant authorities to provide shore protection and land reclamation in Bille in order to enhance more development.
“We are making contact with government agencies we are calling on them to come to our aid in terms of shore protection and land reclamation because a smart city or satellite communities development, banks on the availability of lands and that is why we call for shore protection and reclamation.”
Speaking on security issues, His Majesty, said they are working in hand with the Nigeria Navy, 29 tactical battalion to fight sea pirates on their waterways while noting that the menace which was previously high has been reduced.
The monarch further urged the people of Rivers State to support the government to drive the needed development in the state.
