Chieftaincy Classification: Group Calls For Recognition, Upgrade Of Abuloma Stool
A socio-cultural organization in the Niger Delta region, Niger Delta Action Network (NDAN) has lauded the Executive Governor of Rivers State, Chief (Barr.) Nyesom Wike for recognizing and classifying Traditional Rulers in the state.
Speaking to journalists shortly after their Executive Council meeting, Chairman of the group, Clement Miebowei said the visionary leadership of Governor Wike came to play with the high level of respect he has for the traditional institution in the state.
He stated that past administrations overlooked the importance of placing the traditional rulers in their rightful place, urging all Rivers Men and Women of goodwill to applaud the rare gesture of the workaholic governor.
According to him, NDAN cherishes traditional institutions, pointing out that it also monitors the activities of traditional Rulers and Public office holders in the region, but found out that the Abuloma stool which is gazetted by Rivers State government over the years is not recognized and classified.
He appealed to Governor Wike to consider the Abuloma stool, because it is one of the oldest stools in Rivers State. “Your Excellency, Abutoma played a major role in the 1913 Port Harcourt agreement which is referred to as “Obumotu” Agreement. Obumotu is an Abuloma (Okrika) dialect.
His words: “Okrika, In Search of An Ancestry, 1990 written by J. A. Fiberesima on page 84, paragraph 1, quoted that the 1913 Agreement was referred to as the “Obumotu” Agreement, by His Excellency, Governor Lord Lugard in his report of 25th September, 1913 on the acquisition and survey of the site of Port Harcourt.
NDAN, however maintained that they are hopeful that the Governor will recognize the ancient stool, considering the historical facts, dated back before pre-coioniaf era, saying all other relevant documents like the Rivers State official gazette of 25ih, August 1983, No. 16, Vol. 15, quoted Rainbow/ Abuloma as the district headquarters of Trans Amadi Urban Council of PHALGA, while the Rivers State official gazette of 13th June 1985, No. 22, Vol. 17 under the Local Governments Established Edict has Abuloma as a district headquarter, among others.
The group also called on the Mayor of PHALGA, Victor Ihunwo and the member, representing PHALGA II Constituency in the Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon. Tonye Smart Adoki to make recommendations to government for the recognition and classification of Abuloma stool.
