The Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori has reacted to several calls by riverine communities’ for the River Niger to be dredged to check flooding.
According to the governor, it is only the Federal Government that has the capacity to dredge the River Niger.
He made the clarifications on Wednesday in an address read by his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, FCA, during the presentation of Staff of Office to His Imperial Majesty, Dr. Gregory Nnamdi Oputa as Obi Oputa III, the 20th Obi of Aboh in Ndokwa East Local Government Area of Delta State.
He said, “the issue of dredging the River Niger is a long standing one, it will best be handled by the Federal Government as many states will be affected.”
He congratulated Dr. Oputa for his successful emergence as the Obi of Aboh and urged him to, deploy the rich experience and exposure he has garnered before coming to the throne, to the benefit of his people.
“As a traditional ruler, especially under a democratic dispensation, it is crucial that I stress the need for you to follow the path of dialogue and consensus in all your dealings with your subjects and in all the community’s relationship with all tiers and levels of government.
‘It is my sincere hope that Your Majesty will strive to maintain the sanctity of his exalted office and lead your people to greater prosperity while upholding the tenet of justice, fair play and equity.
“I am indeed glad to identify with and share the joy of this wonderful and endearing occasion of the formal presentation of Staff of Office to His Royal Majesty, Obi Oputa III, the Obi of Aboh.
“The personalities here in this occasion – captains of industry, notable traditional and community leaders, top legislative and government functionaries, friends and well wishers of Aboh Kingdom from far and near – bear testimony to the significance, honour and grandeur of the momentous and historic occasion.
“Perhaps it could not have been otherwise. Your Royal Majesty is inheriting the enviable peace, harmony and love, which form some of the enduring legacies left behind by your predecessor, Obi Imegwu; his peaceful bent extended beyond the frontiers of Aboh Kingdom as he became the rallying point of royalty in Ndoshimili and beyond.
“I appeal to the people and His Royal Majesty to squarely face the challenge of not only maintaining but improving on the high standards and lofty ideals that Aboh Kingdom is known for.
“I urge you, the people of Aboh Kingdom to accept the challenge of making the reign of Obi Oputa III, one of the most successful in the annals of kingship not only in Aboh, Ndoshimili or Delta State, but the country in general.
“I urge you, as a matter of tradition and the long history of your genial bent, to accord the Obi, your total and unqualified support and loyalty to enable him get better focused on providing a qualitative and selfless leadership for the kingdom.
“I thank you for the kind words you put in for the administration and the modest efforts we are making to develop every part of the State.
“I also thank you most sincerely for your patience and orderly conduct of your affairs,” the governor said.
Chairman of Ndokwa East Local Government Council, Hon. Vincent Osilonya, had in an address, said that the presentation of the Staff of Office has put to rest tussle for the Aboh Royal Stool and urged the people to be united and rally round their King.
The Aboh Kingdom in an address read by Chief Tony Amechi, thanked the Governor of Delta State for predenting the Staff of Office.
Those who spoke at the occasion expressed confidence in the ability of Obi Oputa III to take Aboh Kingdom to greater heights.
