The Governor of Rivers State , Siminalayi Fubara, on Friday formally presented the Certificate of Recognition and Staff of Office to the new Amanyanabo of Opobo Kingdom, His Majesty King Charles Douglas Mac-Pepple Jaja, Jeki VI, urging the new monarch to promote peace, unity and inclusiveness in the kingdom.
The governor while congratulating the new monarch, for successfully scaling the hurdles of selection and coronation, urged the royal father to see contenders who lost out of the selection process, not as victims but as comrades who must be carried along for the kingdom to move forward during his reign.
Speaking during the presentation ceremony in Government House, Port Harcourt, Governor Fubara apologized for his absence at the coronation, explaining that it was due to a call to higher national service, but that his spirit and soul were fully with the kingdom throughout the process.
He declared that history will remember his administration for peacefully laying to rest the late King, Douglas Dandeson Jaja, and mid-wifing the emergence of a new monarch without litigation.
The Governor, who said he remains one of the proudest persons on earth for the success of the transition, disclosed that the late king’s stool was enmeshed in a legal battle that lasted over 27 years, and that it took the wisdom and deliberate intervention of his administration to manage the selection process to avoid another round of court cases.
He emphasized that contrary to insinuations by mischief makers who tried to politicise his absence, his government was fully responsible for the entire process from burial of the late king to the coronation and recognition.
“Our presence was not just in that process alone. Every logistics that were required, there is nobody that can say he’s the one that did it. We did it. So, that is also a key issue in the process. So, for those people who like using everything for politics, my absence was not an intentional thing; it was a call to service. So, the fact that I was unable to make it doesn’t mean that I do not value, appreciate or support the process,” Governor Fubara said.
He said the true test of kingship is in the management of success, and prayed that the new reign will usher in greater development in education, healthcare and small businesses, which he said remain the only sustainable antidotes to the growing criminality among youths.
The Governor, who described Opobo as one of the most peaceful Local Government Areas in the State, charged the new king to maintain zero tolerance for criminality, to be intentional and decisive in protecting the kingdom, and not to compromise on security on the grounds of kinship.
Governor Fubara assured the monarch of the continuous support of his administration both in and out of office, while also charging the Alapu Council to guide the king and the titled citizens to redirect their purpose from mere ceremonial uniformity to initiating tangible development projects that will be visible in the kingdom within the next one year.
In an acceptance speech, the newly installed Amanyanabo of Opobo Kingdom, His Majesty King Jaja Jeki VI, pledged to build Opobo on the pillars of service, inclusion and vision, in honour of the legacy of the great King Jaja who founded the kingdom 156 years ago with trade and diplomacy.
Describing the Staff of Office as more than a symbol of authority, the monarch said it represents a sacred trust from the government and people of Rivers State to lead with justice, peace and dignity.
He expressed deep gratitude to God, the ancestors, Governor Fubara, the Opobo Council of Alapu, titled citizens, elders, women and youths for the confidence reposed in him to lead Opobo into its Sixth Chapter.
The new king assured the Rivers State Government that under his reign, Opobo Kingdom will remain a dependable partner for peace, development and unity of Rivers State.
