Ele people in Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area of Rivers State have appealed to the State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike for the recognition and classification of their ancient traditional stool currently occupied by HRH (King) Felix Tamunosepiriala Okuru, Apina VII, Amayanabo of Ele Kingdom.
Speaking with newsmen in his palace over the weekend, the royal father said as one of the nine ancient clans in Wakrike Ethnic Nationality, it is important the stool is recognized and classified like that of their neigbouring clans.
The royal father who was re-echoing the request of his people made it known that Ele people who are committed supporters of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and have been fully participating in all the electoral processes in the State are often saddened when they remember this.
King Okuru noted that though he is now one of the traditional rulers in the State whose role is only advisory, he was a caucus member of the PDP who never waivered in ensuring that bulk votes were delivered for the party’s candidates victory in every election by mobilizing support for them.
The monarch lamented that inspite of their commitment and steadfastness, there is no infrastructural development in Ele Town to show for it.
According to him, “Ele people lack roads, schools, hospitals, electricity, water and other amenities. We equally need empowerment of our women and youths for self-reliance”, though I have been talking this all alone with my migre resources”, he said.
King Okuru however believes that Governor Wike, whose excellent performance, he noted, has touched every nook and cranny of the State will not forget Ele Clan in his second term which they are equally working hard to actualize.
He made it known that Governor Wike’s commitment to even development of the State has dismantled the Riverine/upland dichotomy that used to be a political tool for politicians in every election and as well promised to hand over to a successor from the Riverine extraction.
On the State of the nation, the royal father said he can only advise political leaders to be cautious in their actions and utterances, recognizing that what they do could plung the country into crisis, adding that the major responsibility of government at all levels is the protection of lives and property.
“Importantly, the leaders should uphold the constitution of the country which they swore to protect and defend”, he noted.
“A lot of things are going wrong; our leaders should allow due process to take its course in all they do. The right thing should be done at all times for posterity sake:, he further advised.
On the forthcoming general election, King Okuru advised the electoral umpire to ensure that it conduct a free, fair, peaceful, credible and transparent election in the interest of the nascent democracy.
He also used the opportunity to appeal to parents to caution their sons against electoral violence and manipulation.
To the security agents, the monarch advised them to confine themselves to their traditional duty of protecting lives and property and not to aid and abet any political party to achieve electoral victory.
