Gladys Nweke
A Traditional Ruler in Rivers State, Chief Benard Nna Eme of Rumuwuche family in Rumuosi Community of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area has made a passionate appeal to Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike to consider paying stipends to classless chiefs in the state.
He made the appeal in his palace in Port-Harcourt while chatting with journalists.
According to the Traditional Ruler, after the first to the third class classification of the traditional rulers, it is important that government consider a special stipend for those of who are not classified but are contributing immensely to the peace and development of their various domain.
Chief Eme further disclosed that there is no week they don’t leave their various schedules for security meetings in the interest of their different communities and so deserve to be recognized and commended.
He used the opportunity to congratulate, Governor Wike over his developmental strides in the State since he assumed office, especially for the rehabilitation of the Obiri Ikwerre-Airport road which he noted, has improved the welfare of the people as well as the socio-economic status of the adjourning communities of Rumuosi, Rumuekini, Ozuoba, Rumuagholu, Aluu and Rumuokoro.
This all-important link road has brought all round development in this environment and indeed changed the face of Rivers State especially with the street light.
Chief Eme said the security threat on the road has been put under control which in turn has increased traffic and business activities in the area.
He then advised the governor to look into bringing investors that would establish industries with the ultimate goal of employing teeming unemployed youths of the area.
“These industries which should be agro-allied based will equally make surplus foodstuff available for the citizenry and ensure less dependent on oil and gas industries, as we have vast land here,” he declared.
He also used the opportunity to appeal to the governor to extend the street lightenings from the Obiri Ikwerre Junction through Rumuosi community to the University of Port Harcourt for the easy security of lives and property of the people.
The Traditional Ruler equally appealed to the governor to come to the rescue of the adjourning communities with regards to flooding.
“If we must tell ourselves the truth, we are yet to see any governor who will surpass Wike in terms of project delivery.
“I will advise that those who are yet to benefit from the present administration should exercise patience with him as the governor is determined to reach out to every nooks and cranny in his developmental effort” he declared.