Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has reiterated his call on communities in the state to establish platforms that will promote peace and engender development.
The governor also announced the elevation of the stool of Eze-Igbu Upata to a First Class Status.
Speaking during the coronation ceremony of Dr Felix Enene Otuwarikpo as the Eze-Igbu Upata III on Saturday at Edeoha town in Ahoada East Local Government Area, Governor Wike said that communities engulfed in conflicts, always suffer developmental stagnation.
He charged the Eze-Igbu Upata III to work with Eze-Ekpeye Logbo and the State Government to develop programmes that will enhance peace and development in Ekpeye land.
“I appeal to all communities to promote peace for developmental purposes. Unless there is peace in a community, it will be difficult for the state government to take development to such a community.
“I enjoin the Eze-Igbu Upata to work with the Eze-Ekpeye Logbo to build peace in Ekpeye land “.
On the elevation of the Eze-Igbu Upata Stool to a First Class Status, Governor Wike said that the Eze-Ekpeye Logbo still remains the leading traditional ruler in Ekpeye land.
He assured the people of Upata Kingdom that his administration will fulfil all promises made to them. He stated that the state government will extend electricity to Ward 10 in Ahoada East Local Government Area.
The governor informed that the County High School, Western Ahoada will be reconstructed and equipped.
Earlier, Eze-Igbu Upata III, Dr Felix Enene Otuwarikpo assured Governor Wike and the state government that the community will be repositioned for development in the shortest possible time.
He informed the governor that in a bid to attain peace he has resolved to set up a reconciliation committee to address the security challenges that have ravaged Ula Ikata Community.
The Eze-Igbu appealed to Governor Wike to help in connecting communities in Ward 10 of Ahoada East Local Government Area to electricity.
The coronation ceremony witnessed celebration, traditional dances and tributes to the new traditional ruler.
