Rivers Council Chairman Bags ‘Mene-Fiinor’ Traditional Title

The Chairman of Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State, Dr. Thomas Bariere Ariar, has been honoured with a traditional title of ‘Mene-Fiinor I’ (War Conqueror I) by the Khana Area Council of Traditional Rulers. The honour is in recognition of Dr Ariar’s outstanding contributions to peace, stability, and grassroots development in the area. This […]

The Chairman of Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State, Dr. Thomas Bariere Ariar, has been honoured with a traditional title of ‘Mene-Fiinor I’ (War Conqueror I) by the Khana Area Council of Traditional Rulers.

The honour is in recognition of Dr Ariar’s outstanding contributions to peace, stability, and grassroots development in the area.

This was part of the coronation ceremony of the Chairman of the Khana Area Council of Traditional Rulers, King Suanu T. Y. Baridam, over the weekend, which drew traditional rulers, political office holders, community leaders, and well-wishers from across Rivers State and beyond.

Speaking during the ceremony, King Suanu T. Y. Baridam, explained that the decision to honour Dr. Bariere was unanimous, citing his proactive approach to conflict resolution and inclusive governance in the area.

He said the placement of Paramount Rulers on the council payroll by a serving Local Government Chairman was unprecedented, adding that the move has strengthened traditional institutions and fostered lasting peace.

King Baridam emphasized that the current calm enjoyed in Khana is the result of consistent engagement by the council chairman, who, according to him, frequently intervenes personally in security matters, urging residents to continue to embrace peace and warned that acts capable of destabilising the area would not be tolerated.

Also Speaking during his goodwill message, the Chairman of the occasion and Oba of Oba-land, His Eminence Oba Obi, charged Dr. Bariere to sustain the tempo of development and expand his drive to attract more infrastructure and empowerment projects to Khana.

Similarly, King Pere Stanley Luke, First Vice-Chairman of the Delta State Traditional Rulers Council, lauded Dr. Bariere’s people-centred leadership and recalled his long association with Khana, linking it to the legacy of the late Kenule Saro-Wiwa and the enduring quest for justice and development in the area.

Responding shortly after receiving the traditional title, Dr. Bariere, described the honour as a reflection of collective effort and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to serving the people.

He said: “This title is not just a recognition of what has been done, but a reminder of the responsibility ahead. I remain committed to peace, unity, and the overall development of Khana.”