Former Niger Delta freedom fighter, Asari Dokubo, has been honoured and recognised as the Amanyanabo of Torusarama Piri, a region in the Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, presented Dokubo and other monarchs with staff of office at the Rivers State Government House in Port Harcourt on Tuesday.

Other honorees include HRM Winston Odize Alamina Oputibeya XII, as the Amanyanabo of Koniju in the Okrika Local Government Area; HRM Eze Noble Friday Uwoh (CSP retd) as the Eze Igbu-Ehuda (Ahoada) IV in the Ahoada-East Local Government Area; and HRH Prince Ike Ehie as the Eze Igbu Orilukwoe, also in the Ahoada-East Local Government Area of the state.

At the event, Fubara stressed the importance of traditional leaders in their respective communities and the state. He also informed them that the state government can withdraw their office staff if they are found abusing power.

He said, “I don’t want you to see this elevation as another platform to create problems in your locality. We have the power to withdraw the recognition still, but I don’t intend to do that. So, I want you to be partners with the government to ensure that we continue to succeed.

“I know that you are all men of integrity. Support the course of governance so that we can all succeed together. It is a privileged position, and I am very sure that you are going to use it in the best interest of your people.”

Guardian