Traditional rulers may be given greater roles in the amended constitution, the senator representing Delta North, Peter Nwaoboshi, has said.
Nwaoboshi, who chairs the Senate Committee on Niger Delta Affairs, spoke when he visited the Asagba of Asaba, Obi Chike Edozien and Anioma traditional rulers.
The lawmaker said some constitutional functions had been recommended for monarchs in recognition of their roles in governance.
He said the visit was to show reverence to the monarchs, render an account of his stewardship and seek prayers and blessings for himself and his constituency.
Nwaoboshi, who described Prof Edozien as the father and custodian of Ahaba people and culture, said he was a bridge builder and patriot, who plays an important role as a symbol of unity in Anioma.
He said the effort to create a splinter group of Anioma Congress was “nothing short of political mischief.”
Nwaoboshi noted that Anioma Traditional Rulers Forum had no double leadership, emphasising that the only recognised leader of the forum was the Asagba of Asaba.
“During his 30-year reign, Asaba has changed, and has attracted people that have come to seek their fortunes here.
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“His traditional leadership has ensured that the growth and increasing diversity of Asaba has proceeded without tension and antagonism among those who live here,” the senator said.
The lawmaker noted that he had refused to be clannish or to concentrate projects in his hometown, Igbuzo, because he was a nationalist.
He said he was a senator for Delta North and not Igbuzo alone, naming some of his achievements as the bill for a federal university in Aboh; roads across the senatorial district; social amenities to the constituency; and jobs for youths, amonng others.
Nwaoboshi called on rulers from Anioma to work together and advance development of the zone, saying they should not be second class to anyone.
“Our kings must not be relegated by anyone. We should not see ourselves as second-class citizens,” he said.
The Asagba said the senator’s visit was ‘unprecedented’, as it was the first time an elected representative had presented a report of his/her achievements to Anioma monarchs.
He prayed for the senator to be blessed with divine guidance as he continued to work for the glory of Delta North, Delta State, and Nigeria.
The monarch condemned those behind the formation of Anioma Progressive Union, a splinter group.