The Traditional Rulers in Rivers State have raised alarm over the threat to their lives and love ones. The Chairman, Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers, His Majesty King (Dr) Dandeson Douglas Jaja, Jeki V and the Amanyanabo of Opobo made this disclosure to Rivers State Governor, Barr Nyesom Wike during the 103rd quarter general meeting of the council in Port Harcourt.
Dr Dandeson Douglas Jaja said the traditional rulers are now more exposed to danger of being kidnapped or killed by perpetrators of evil in our society.
”Your Excellency, we want to draw your attention to the fact that Traditional Rulers are now more exposed to danger of being kidnapped or killed by perpetrators of evil in our society. You are no doubt aware of the aware of the recent attack on the Palace of Eze Ekpeye Logbo which, but for the Grace of God, would have resulted in fatality within the Palace complex”.
”Onne-Eh Eleme’s Police orderly was killed last Saturday and his gun taken away by the killers. Our colleagues and families were grossly exposed during those attacks. We therefore seek out crime in our communities as our institution seems to be under siege by various groups”.
The Chairman of Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers, King (Dr) Dandeson Douglas Jaja also seek for government support to host a one-day security enlightenment seminar. Dandeson Jaja said the security seminar will help reduce the numerous threat to their lives in their various communities.
Jaja also expressed concerned to the high level of unemployment in the country. He said the harsh economic situation in the country has made it necessary for government at different levels to diversify the economy.
The Amanyanabo of Opobo propose that laws should be enacted to compel all graduates of Rivers State origin to undergo at least six months or one year vocational internship programme of any course of their choice after their NYSC scheme to prepare them to face the world.
”Your Excellency, two weeks ago, we watched Rivers State University of Science and Technology graduate over 5000 students, majority of whom will find their way into the labour market which is already breaking at the seams. This may be replicated in almost one hundred and thirteen Universities in the country. The joy of graduation will soon wane giving way to stark realities of unemployment in Nigeria”.
”This situation is complicated by the harsh economic realities of today. Your Excellency, we are concerned that this situation could lead our youths astray, some may turn to drugs while others may fine crime a credible option to unemployment” he said.
The chairman of the Traditional Rulers added that the rehabilitation of Songhai farm on a Public Private Partnership PPP, will kick-start an Integrated Farming Project that will in-turn make the State an Agro-ecotourism model for the country.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Governor Barr, Nyesom Wike promised to provide adequate security for the Traditional Rulers in the State. He promised to work with all the security agencies to get rid of criminality in Rivers State.
