The Rivers Government has elevated the Eze Igbu-Upata traditional stool in Upata Clan, to first class status in the State.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Upata clan is in Ekpeye Kingdom, Ahoada-East Local Government Area of the state.
Gov. Nyesom Wike of Rivers disclosed this at the coronation of Dr Felix Otuwarikpo, as Eze Igbu-Upata III, on Saturday in Edeoha, Ahoada-East.
He said that the elevation, came after 39 years of being classified as second class stool.
The governor also said that the elevation was intended to support the Eze Ekpeye Logbo, the highest traditional stool in Ekpeye land.
“Let me state it clearly that our people must begin to learn that we must work together, and this is to support the Eze Ekpeye Logbo.
“Let it be clear that Eze Ekpeye Logbo is the overall stool as far as Ekpeye Kingdom is concern; any stool we are upgrading does not supersede that of Eze Ekpeye Logbo.
“Therefore, work hand-in-hand with Eze Ekpeye Logbo to move or improve Ekpeye kingdom. I want to tell you that I have elevated Eze Igbu-Upata to first class stool,” he said.
According to Wike, the emergence of Eze Igbu-Upata III is a task for him to pilot the affairs of Upata clan to the next level.
“You know that as a traditional ruler, your responsibilities are so much and you are not supposed to be directly involved in politics,” he warned.
He urged the traditional ruler to relate with government to ensure the improvement of the traditional institution.
The governor, who also responded to requests made by the new traditional ruler, said that he would fulfill his campaign promises first before embarking on new projects.
Wike said: “You have requested for so many things but let me finish the ones I promised during campaign because I do not believe in making promise that I cannot fulfill.”
He, however, promised to provide light for communities in Ward 10 communities in the area describing the gesture as “ a special case”.
Wike also commended Eze Igbu-Upata for initiating the process of finding lasting peace to crisis ravaged communities in the clan and promised to support him.
The governor also urged the indigenes of the communities to live in peace with one another.
Earlier, the new Eze Igbu-Upata prayed that God would give him the necessary wisdom to provide proper leadership in his domain.
“Upata has a great opportunity today to fulfill the mandate God has given to us.
“We have the opportunity to either fulfill it or betray it but God will give us the wherewithal to fulfill the destinies of our people,” he said.
The traditional ruler disclosed that people of Upata made a decision on Aug. 26, 2017 to take the clan to the next level by choosing him to lead them.
He said that it was a decision well thought out, decision that he would not betray and commended his subjects for making the process credible.
The Eze Igbu-Upata assured Gov. Wike that he would liaise with the Eze Ekpeye-Logbo and partner with the Rivers government to find lasting peace in the area.
He disclosed that his leadership would soon commence “One Youth, One Skill” initiative to engage the youths and reduce crime in the area.