DELTA State Governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan has urged traditional rulers to apply democratic tenets while dealing with their subjects.

Dr Uduaghan gave the advice, Monday, in an address read on his behalf by his Deputy, Prof. Amos Utuama (SAN) during the presentation of Staff of Office to the Ezhie of Ezionum Kingdom, HRM Rowland Osanwuta at Ezionum, Ukwuani Local Government Area of Delta State.

According to him, it is important for traditional rulers to imbibe the virtues of dialogue and consultation to achieve peace under their reign adding that they should also ensure that they do not in words or action give any cause for their subjects to doubt their ability to uphold the sanctity of the custom of their people.

The Governor congratulated the people of Ezionum Kingdom for the peaceful manner they transformed their political system from traditional gerontocracy to a monarchical one, adding, “I have no doubt that the Ezhie stool has great significance for the people of Ezionum and as such, you should do everything possible to promote the integrity of the stool by according His Royal Majesty the respect he truly deserves.”

He also urged the people of Ezionum Kingdom to take advantage of the various programmes of government, particularly, the Farmers Support Programme (FSP), the Commercial Agriculture Credit Scheme (CACS) and the Delta State Micro-Credit programme stating, “I advise you to form cooperative societies, so that you can access credit to add value to the massive farm harvest of the Kingdom.”

The Head of Personnel Management for Ukwuani Local Government Area, Mrs Blessing Bielonwu urged the traditional ruler to pay great attention to government policies and programmes especially in the areas of peace and security.

Also speaking at the occasion, the President-General of Ezionum Development Association (EDA), Chief Peter Ogeleka at the occasion, disclosed that the quest for a King started twelve years ago with several meetings and consultations and lauded the Delta State government for the formal recognition given to their King.