Gov. Bello presents staff of office to 104 traditional rulers.
Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello has presented staff of office to 104 graded and upgraded traditional rulers.
The Governor in a colourful ceremony held on Saturday at the newly constructed President Muhammadu Buhari Civic center Lokoja, charged the monarchs to be alive to their responsibilities as God’s representatives in their domain.
He revealed that his effort at upgrading the stools is in compliance with his administration’s commitment to accord the traditional institution a pride of place.
Gov. Bello noted that the traditional institution is very important to his administration in maintaining peace and security , hence, they should work hard to justify confidence repose in them.
The Governor who described the Traditional Rulers as owners of the land, promised to continue to work with them in making the State the most peaceful in the country.
He said his administration has made fairness, equity and justice in the appointment and upgrade of the traditional rulers, promising to look into the pending request for appointment and upgrade of some stools.
While pointing out that he will continue to advocate for the inclusion of the Traditional institution in Governance, added that on assumption of office he met an insecured underdeveloped state.
He however, expressed satisfaction that he has made the State the most peaceful and developed in the country.
The Governor used the occasion to call on other States in the country to come and learn from the state‘s security architecture congratulated all the graded and upgraded Chiefs in the State.
President Muhammadu Buhari, represented by Minister of Police Affairs, Mohammed Maigari Dingyadi, commended the Gov. Yahaya Bello, for given priority to the traditional institution.
He described the acceptance of the newly graded and upgraded chiefs as an indication of a cordial relationship existing between the government and the traditional institution.
He urged the monarchs to sustain the smooth working relationship with the government to fastract development.
In his welcome remarks, the Commissioner For Local Government And Chieftaincy Affairs, Barrister Salami Ozigi Deedat said the administration placed high premium on the traditional institution of their key roles in the maintenance of peace and security.
Recalled that the Kogi State Government recently approved the grading and upgrading of 31 first class, 30 second class and 43 third class. 
