Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has formally presented the Certificate of Recognition and Staff of Office to the new Amanyanabo of Opobo Kingdom, His Majesty King Charles Douglas Mac-Pepple Jaja, Jeki VI.

The governor urged the new monarch to promote peace, unity and inclusiveness in the kingdom.

While congratulating the monarch on successfully scaling the hurdles of selection and coronation, Fubara urged him to see those who lost out in the selection process not as victims but as comrades who must be carried along for the kingdom to move forward.

Speaking during the presentation ceremony at Government House, Port Harcourt, on Friday, Fubara apologised for his absence at the September 26 coronation, explaining that it was due to a call to higher national service.

He, however, said his spirit and soul were fully with the kingdom throughout the process.

Fubara, in a statement issued by his media aide, Onwuka Nzeshi, said history would remember his administration for peacefully laying to rest the late King Dandeson Douglas Jaja and facilitating the emergence of a new monarch without litigation.

The governor, who hails from Opobo, said he remained one of the proudest persons over the successful transition, disclosing that the late king’s stool had been enmeshed in a legal battle that lasted over 27 years.

He said it took the wisdom and deliberate intervention of his administration to manage the selection process and prevent another round of court cases.

Fubara emphasised that, contrary to insinuations by those who tried to politicise his absence, his government was fully involved in the process from the burial of the late king to the coronation and recognition of the new monarch.

“Our presence was not just in that process alone. Every logistics that were required, there is nobody that can say he’s the one that did it. We did it.

“So, that is also a key issue in the process. So, for those people who like using everything for politics, my absence was not an intentional thing; it was a call to service.

“So the fact that I was unable to make it doesn’t mean that I do not value, appreciate or support the process,” Fubara said.

He said the true test of kingship was in the management of success, and prayed that the new reign would usher in greater development in education, healthcare and small businesses, which he described as sustainable antidotes to growing youth criminality.

The governor, who described Opobo as one of the most peaceful local government areas in the state, charged the new king to maintain zero tolerance for criminality and be intentional and decisive in protecting the kingdom.

He urged the monarch not to compromise security on the grounds of kinship.

“Opobo is one of the most peaceful LGAs. We have the principle of zero tolerance for criminality. Be very intentional and decisive when it comes to issues of protecting the kingdom. Don’t compromise,” Fubara stated.

Fubara assured the monarch of the continuous support of his administration, while charging the Alapu Council to guide the king and titled citizens to redirect their purpose from ceremonial activities to initiating tangible development projects that would be visible in the kingdom within the next year.

In his acceptance speech, the newly installed Amanyanabo of Opobo Kingdom, King Jaja Jeki VI, pledged to build the kingdom on the pillars of service, inclusion and vision, in honour of the legacy of the great King Jaja, who founded the kingdom 156 years ago through trade and diplomacy.

Describing the Staff of Office as more than a symbol of authority, the monarch said it represented a sacred trust from the government and people of Rivers State to lead with justice, peace and dignity.

He expressed gratitude to God, the ancestors, Fubara, the Opobo Council of Alapu, titled citizens, elders, women and youths for the confidence reposed in him to lead Opobo into its sixth chapter.

The new king assured the Rivers State Government that, under his reign, Opobo Kingdom would remain a dependable partner for peace, development and unity in Rivers State.

The coronation of Jeki VI took place at King Jaja Square in Opobo Town on September 26, while Fubara was away on official duty. He was represented at the ceremony by his deputy, Ngozi Odu.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan, the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, and other dignitaries attended the coronation.