A traditional ruler in Rivers State, King Taalor Nwidae Kpuginaata Tornwe IV, Mene-Bua Boue in Khana LGA has stated that the country has not done badly at 60 years of independence considering the many challenges it has surmounted including surviving a civil war.
He stated this at the sideline of the independence day anniversary celebration in Government House, Port Harcourt over the weekend in a chat with newsmen.
According to him, “Nigeria has not done badly at 60 years of independence. A human being at 60, must either be a grandfather or grandmother.
Inspite of our challenges, the country is still together, that is a great achievement. The way we marry ourselves is our concern,” he said.
He disclosed further that the challenges are the same in other countries of the world and used the opportunity to thanked the founding fathers for their effort in securing the independence from the colonial masters.
The monarch however cautioned the Nigerian leaders on some of their actions and utterances which he noted, is tended towards the country’s disintegration. He advised that it would be better for all if the country remains peaceful and united.
He lamented the insecurity ravaging the country especially the North-Eastern Zone of the country where he noted, people are killed almost on daily basis including the military personnel who are trained to handle such insurgence and tasked President Muhammadu Buahari to urgently halt the tide in the interest of all.
“The incessant attacks from the Boko Haram insurgence, the banditry and the Fulani Herdsmen is becoming an embarrassment to the country,” he said.
King (Dr) Taalor Tornwe IV used the opportunity to laud the developmental strides of Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike of Rivers State, adding that if other State governments of the country passionately administer their states through the same prudent management of meager resources on people oriented projects, Nigeria will develop at a very fast rate.
“Gov Wike is a visionary leader who is committed at improving the welfare of his people and to leaving worthy legacies. Some persons thought he is a magician, no, he is not.
What we are seeing in Rivers State is a result of diligent planning and implementation through prudent management of resources,” he said.
The monarch however, appealed to the state chief executive to extend his search light to the rural areas for even development.
While also advising the federal government to borrow a leaf from the Rivers State administration in her developmental speed, the traditional ruler task the presidency to be sincere in the fight against insurgence in the North which he said is threatening the existence of the country.
He also stated that the deliberate lopsideness of political appointments and conscious marginalization of some sections of the country by the federal government administration of President Buhari is not helping matters either as according to him, these are some of the factors fueling agitations and threat of secession in the country.
On the suspended labour strike action, the monarch disagreed with some persons opinion that the suspended Nationwide strike action against the current fuel pump price and electricity tariff hike was as a result of compromise on the part of labour.
“The labour leaders have not sold out but on the contrary, there must have been some agreement reached and shifting of grounds by both parties that may have resulted to the position taken”.
He however advised against labour embarking on any strike action at this time as according to him, it will do no one any good.
“While every sectors of the economy will be paralyzed as long as the strike last, hoodlums would rather hijack it to unleashed mayhem on the society as many people are angry against the present administration.”
Proffering solution, he advised the Federal government and the Minister of State for Petroleum, Chief Timipre Silver to urgently refurbish the four refineries in the country and make them functional if they are sincere.
He wondered aloud the justification of minining the crude oil here in the country and export same abroad, only to later import every other finished products at a higher cost into the country with its attendant pains on the citizenry.
King (Dr) Taalor Tornwe IV also used the opportunity to caution the political leaders to play by the rules, adding that political parties are only vehicles to ferry one into power for developmental purpose and not enemies to one another in their various camps.
“They should come together, think and work together in the interest of the masses.
The improved welfare of the masses should be their paramount interest in politics,” he advised.
