Fubara Urges Rivers Monarchs to Stay Neutral Ahead of 2027 Elections

Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has called on traditional rulers across the state to remain impartial in partisan politics and work to preserve peace in their communities ahead of the 2027 general elections. The governor made the appeal on Wednesday while opening the 126th, 127th and 128th combined quarterly meeting of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers in Port Harcourt. Fubara said traditional institutions had an important responsibility to uphold justice, encourage fairness and prevent disagreements from escalating into crises that could threaten the state’s stability. He urged the monarchs to ensure that their actions and public conduct promoted peaceful coexistence rather than deepen divisions during the emerging political season. The governor also reminded the traditional rulers of the oaths and constitutional obligations they accepted before ascending their respective stools. He encouraged them to place the collective interests of Rivers State above personal preferences. According to him, prioritising the state’s welfare was a principle he said had guided his approach to governance. Fubara also addressed concerns about the welfare of traditional rulers, explaining that delays in resolving some of their previous requests were linked to the council’s failure to put its affairs in order. He clarified that stipends paid to traditional rulers by local government councils were statutory benefits and could not be changed solely through a governor’s verbal declaration. The governor assured the monarchs that he intended to fulfil his outstanding promises to them before leaving office next year. Earlier, the chairman of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers and Paramount Ruler of Apara Kingdom, Eze Chike Amadi Worlu Wodo, commended the state government for maintaining a cordial relationship with the traditional institution. Wodo highlighted the role of royal fathers in resolving disputes, including disagreements over chieftaincy matters, family issues and land ownership. He also called attention to welfare and logistical challenges facing the institution. The meeting comes as political activities and alignments gather momentum ahead of the 2027 elections, placing renewed emphasis on efforts to maintain stability across Rivers State.