By Abah Benjamin Eneojoh
January 1, 2025
The Deputy Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency Comrade Joel Salifu, has called on traditional rulers in the state to remain impartial in their ancestral duties, warning that partisanship could disrupt the peace and unity among their subjects.
In a statement released by his Press Secretary, Mr. Unubi Emmanuel, the Deputy Governor emphasized the critical role traditional institutions play in fostering harmony. Speaking during a meeting with traditional leaders in his hometown of Ejule, Kogi State, Comrade Salifu urged the royal fathers to steer clear of political affiliations, highlighting the importance of maintaining their integrity and neutrality.
He likened the responsibilities of traditional rulers to those of civil servants, who are expected to serve without bias or political alignment, adding that such impartiality would bolster trust and stability in their domains. Salifu stated, “Partisan involvement by chiefs often breeds chaos and disharmony. As custodians of our heritage, you must prioritize peace and unity above all else.”
The Deputy Governor assured the audience that the current administration, under the leadership of Governor Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, is committed to preserving the state’s prevailing peace and fostering development. He stressed that acts of discord or attempts to destabilize the state would not be tolerated.
Salifu also disclosed plans to establish a committee dedicated to promoting unity within the Igala kingdom, underscoring the administration’s commitment to collaboration with traditional institutions to drive progress for the people.
Traditional Rulers Commend the Administration
In his remarks, the Ejeh Ankpa and Chairman of the Ankpa Area Traditional Council, HRH Alhaji Dr. Abubakar Sadiq Ahmed Yakubu II, expressed gratitude to the Deputy Governor for his leadership. He praised the government of Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo for exceeding expectations in key areas, including civil servant welfare, pensioner benefits, and ongoing infrastructural development across the state.
The monarch reaffirmed the nonpartisan stance of traditional rulers while pledging their support to the administration’s developmental agenda. He called for enhanced collaboration between the government and traditional institutions to improve the well-being of their subjects, describing the Deputy Governor’s leadership as a source of pride for the Igala people.
As the Deputy Governor concluded his visit, he reiterated the administration’s focus on unity and progress, urging the traditional rulers to work closely with the government in delivering the dividends of democracy to the people of Kogi State.
