***Tasks Traditional Rulers On Peace, Unity Of Domain
By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja
Governor, Yahaya Bello of Kogi State on Wednesday presented a Staff of Office to the 27th Ohimege Igu of Koton-Karfe Kingdom, HRM. Saidu Akawu Salihu following his on January 8, appointment.
Presenting the Golden Staff Of Office to the monarch in his palace in Koton-Karfe, Governor Bello charged the Ohimege to ensure unity among his people, the state and the nation.
He enjoined all traditional rulers in Egbira Nation, Kogi state, the Northern parts of the country and the country in general to bring peace, unity and development to the people.
“Today it gladdens my heart that we are installing a brand new paramount ruler for Koton-Karfe, the Ohimege Igu, Alhaji Saidu Akawu Salihu, a man that has the interest of his people at heart.
He praised the monarch for his patience saying, “God Almighty has said it that if you are patient, whatever belongs to you, however you are denied, will always come back to you.
“This particulars stool has traveled around but God said this is the rightful occupier of this stool.
“By the special grace of God, we are installing you as the Ohimege Igu and Chairman, Koton-Karfe/Lokoja Council of Chiefs. You have several constituencies under you, other traditional rulers under you, Chiefdoms under you.
“This particular stool is the revered stool of your ancestors. We don’t expect anything less other than ensuring that there is unity among your people, the state and the nation.
“I assure you of the commitment of the next governor, His Excellency Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, that this palace, in no distant time, will wear a befitting and new look. It will reflect the GYB standard.
“And of course you know what Ododo, the next governor can do. He wants to even improve on the GYB standard with more decorations and fortification”, he said.
Also speaking at the occasion, Alhaji Mohammed Idris Malagi, Minister of Information and National Orientation, commended His Excellency, Governor Yahaya Bello for the appointment of His Royal Highness, SAS and prayed for peace and prosperity in the kingdom.
The Minister who was represented by the Director-General, Voice of Nigeria, Jibrin Baba Ndace commended the peaceful and peace-loving nature of the people in the kingdom and hoped that the peace would be sustained under the new Ohimege.
Malagi, a personal friend of the Ohimege, emphasizes the importance of traditional institutions as the foundation of national development, a “Bedrock of National creation and acknowledged the leadership and courage of His Excellency Governor Yahaya Bello in Kogi State.
“I know His Royal Majesty as a man of peace, very patient, humble and dedicated to his kingdom and I know he will bring all those values to bear on the new role that Almighty Allah has placed on him”, he said.
The Minister highlighted the difficult but necessary decisions being made by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reposition the economy and urged Nigerians to support the administration’s policies.
In his response, the Ohimege Igu of Koton-Karfe thanked Governor Bello for standing by the truth and making way for justice.
He promised to serve with Humility, Integrity, Dedication and to uphold the traditions and values of Igu kingdom. He added ” I will be a listening ear, a strong advocate and a bridge builder”.
It would be recalled that the 26th Ohimeghe of Koton-Karfe, Alhaji Abdulrazaq Gambo Isa-Koto was on November 26, 2023 queried and later on January 8, 2024 dethroned and banished to Niger State by the Kogi State Government. (Ends)