The Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yayaha Bello on Friday presented staff of office to two more traditional rulers, the Maigari of Lokoja and Maiyaki of Kupa respectively as his 8th years tenure come to an end in Saturday.
The two Royal fathers were the new Maigari of Lokoja, Alhaji Ibrahim Gambo Kabir and the Maiyaki of Kupa, Pharmacist Dauda Kabir.
They were presented with their staff of office in a colourful ceremony held at the Lugard house seat of the state government on Friday.
This bring to four the number of traditional rulers presented with staff of office in the last one week.
Bello whose tenure expires on Saturday 27th January had started the week with the presentation of staff of office to the Ohimege Igu, Konto-Nkarfe Alhaji Seidu Akawu Salihu on Wednesday, followed by the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, Alhaji Ahmed Tijani Anaje.
While presenting the staff of office to the two traditional rulers, Governor Bello said the emergence of the new Maigari of Lokoja and Maiyaki of Kupa was a welcome development to the people of the emirates given their track records.
He expressed confidence in the ability of the monarchs to engender peace, justice and equity in their domains.
Governor Bello noted that his administration had incorporated the traditional rulers into the governance of the state, especially in peace building, saying their incorporation had yielded tremendous results.
‘‘The vast background, training, experience and exposure of our traditional rulers have contributed immensely to the maintenance of peace and harmonious co-existence amongst the people,’’ he said.
He attributed the relative peace in the state within the last few years to the support of the traditional institutions.
Bello also extolled the virtues of the late Maigari of Lokoja Dr. Kabir Mohammadu Maikarfi and Late Maiyaki of Kupa, Alhaji Mohammadu Kabir Isah, saying that their Kingdoms enjoyed peace and witnessed unprecedented development during their reigns.
He prayed God to grant the new monarchs sound health, wisdom and foresight in the task of superintending over the affairs of the emirate.
In their vote of thanks, they said the presentation of the staff of office was an honour done to the people of their emirates.
They urged the people of their emirates to sustain the peace and harmonious co-existence that the late Maigari and Maiyaki exemplified.
The ceremony was graced by the governor-elect, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, the Kogi State House of Assembly Speaker, Rt. Hon. Yusuf Aliyu Umar, top government officials, traditional rulers from and outside Kogi State and a host of others
