By Francis Sadhere
The new Olu of Warri, His Majesty, Ogiame Ikenwoli has reiterated that his overall priority as the Olu of Warri is to work for peace and unity among his people and to foster better relationship with their neighbours.
The Olu of Warri stated this today at his palace in Warri, Delta state during his maiden press briefing.
The Olu of Warri assured his people that he will continue to ensure that the Itsekiri nation has a cordial relationship with all its neighours, saying that his reign will be geared towards building understanding and cementing confidence amongst his people and his neighbours.
He said: “My main priority is to work for peace and unity among my people and my niegbhours. You all aware that for some time now, our environment has been turbulent as there is bitterness and rancor here and there. So my being here now is to ensure that I build understanding, cement confidence among my people so that we can relate better with our niegbhours.”
Speaking on how he is going to relate with other traditional rulers in the country, His Majesty, Ogiame Ikenwoli said that he will be glad if government can give the traditional institution additional role by getting them involved in the governance of the country, adding that he will work effortlessly with other traditional rulers for the betterment of the country.
“The role of traditional rulers is to keep peace amongst their people and their neighbours. But if the government gives us a bigger role to participate in the governance of the country, I will be happy to relate with other traditional rulers to work for the betterment of the country,” the Olu of Warri added.
On rumours going round in some quarters that he was going to be staying at Ode-Itsekiri more often than Warri, the Olu of Warri said that he is going to be ruling from the Warri Palace more often, but added that from time to time he is going to be ruling from Ode-Itsekiri as the need arises.
Also the Olu of Warri while pledging his loyalty to the Itsekiri people and promising not to betray their trust and confidence, vowed to provide transparent leadership and engage in matters that will never embarrass his people.
He also appealed to journalists in the state to focus more on issues that will unite the Itsekiri people and their neighbours rather than sensational and negative stories that will could polarize and promote bitterness and rancor.
“We must maintain and even improve upon the fragile peace Warri now enjoys. I believe that one of the key duties of a responsible journalist is to build and not to destroy with your pen! There-in lies your freedom freedom to free speech, free association; freedom to write and report the truth and avoid publishing rumours. Freedom that must go with responsibilities,” the Olu of Warri said.
He assured journalists that the palace will always be open to them in order for them to have access to information and be able to clarify issues and hear their own side of the story before they rush to publish.
He said: “This palace, together with our council of chiefs, is prepared to work with the news media, in a very symbiotic manner, so that in the end, you win. Warri wins. Delta wins. And yes, Nigeria wins!”
The Olu of Warri also used the opportunity to thank newsmen for their support and cooperation throughout this period.
