By Jimitota Onoyume

The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar  yesterday  laid the foundation for the construction of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers Complex.

Performing the exercise in Port Harcourt, Sultan  Abubakar  prayed God to grant Rivers State governor, Mr Nyesom Wike,  the strength  to  continue to  deliver  development  projects to the people of the state.

He commended  Governor Wike for his commitment to the completion  of the ultra-modern traditional rulers complex within six months.

Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III

He described the ground breaking event as historic, pointing out that the  edifice will help the traditional rulers carry out  their  duties  to Rivers people.

In his address, Governor Wike directed the contractor  and the Special Adviser on Special Projects,  to ensure the completion of the project, within six months.

He said that the  contractor has been  fully mobilised to deliver the project in record time. stressing that his administration  will not tolerate excuses.

He said: “Money will not be a problem in the completion of this project  within the  scheduled  period.”

The governor  explained  that the state government  resolved to construct  a befitting  secretariat for the traditional rulers when it was discovered  that the existing  facility had degenerated to an embarrassing  state.

“We will  give the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers a respectable and ultra-modern complex that all Rivers people will be proud of,” Governor Wike said.

Chairman of Rivers Council of Traditional Rulers and Amanyanabo of Opobo Kingdom, King Dandeson Douglas Jaja lauded Governor Wike for his decision  to  construct  the  edifice for the Rivers State traditional rulers.

Special Adviser on Special Projects to the Rivers State Governor, Mr Dum Wite assured the governor  that the project will be completed on schedule and in line with  approved specifications.

The ground breaking event was witnessed by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Amanyanabo of Nembe, King Edmund Dakouru, Rivers State Traditional Rulers and their counterparts  from across the country.