A new king has been installed to take up the leadership of Bukuma in Degema local government area of Rivers State. The installation which took place on Saturday August 10, 2013 was done at the community town square and attracted sons and daughters from far and near.
In his speech, the commissioner for chieftaincy and community affairs, Hon. Charles Okaye who lauded the people for oneness said from the day they, the Bukuma people came to the office for the coronation of the chief which has finally come to pass, there was no faction and commended them to maintain that gesture.
He advised the people to allow peace reign and to see development in their place adding that unless there is peace government will not come in and that there can be no progress.
Okaye who called on youths of the area to learn from the previous crisis also warned them against been used by desperate politicians to cause mayhem in the community.
Speaking to newsmen, Chief Precious Elekima expressed total support to the king noting that in every endeavour they will all work with him for achievements, good leadership and governance.
Elekima urge the people of Bukuma to maintain peace pointing out the mark of the previous damages in the community as eyesore adding that, progress has shown that they will ever learn from those remarks and make good plans against the former.
He explained that youths are difficult to control but with all hands on deck the king will not see it hard since they are all going to work with him to keep the youths under control but advised the youth to show respect to the newly coronated king, HRH king Stephen J. Tobins whom he wishes successful tenure, long life and prosperous leadership.
The CDC chairman, Julius S. Oloju who described the day as remarkable in the history of Bukuma said that the last coronation was done probably in late 1950’s or early 1960s.
Oloju traced history of the royal families that produces paramount ruler of Bukuma to Attah and Alalibo adding that the present is coming from Tobins but they entered agreement with Alalibo family to allow Attah go for it again while the Alalibo assured of 2 tenure after now believing that the present king is experienced to deliver the community considering the harden situation of the community.
In his remark Prince, Anthony Tobins, described the good weather of the day as sign of acceptance of the king by God and said that the occasion was peaceful despite politics that wanted to erupt the place.
He opined that with his father generally accepted as king, peace and development will surely come into the community.
He used the medium to advised the youths to be peace loving and shun live that can cause fracas pointing out the previous crisis and remarks in place as signs to show for evil mindedness adding that if they hold on to peace they will surely enjoy the place.
Highlights of the day include speech making, songs and dancing as the occasion attracted chiefs from all over Kalabari communities and beyond.###
