From Linus Effiong, Umuahia
Abia State Governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, has presented Staff of Office to twenty nine (29) new Traditional Rulers from across the State with a charge that they should refrain from any act that will be inimical to the growth and interest of their immediate communities, local government areas and the government of the State.
At Michael Okpara Auditorium of Government House, Umuahia, venue of the presentation, the Governor stated that the Ezeship stool represents the fourth tier of government and urged them to serve in their various communities as custodians of the culture and traditions of the people and take responsibility for the security and economic development of their immediate communities.
In his words, “It is your duty to bring to government’s knowledge anything that will improve lives of the people”.
He encouraged them to join forces with government in sensitising the people and ensuring they implement the relevant COVID-19 protocols in order to break the chain of community transmission of the disease in the state.
The State Chief Executive warned against subversive acts that are capable of tarnishing the traditional institutions and create clogs in the State’s wheel of progress . He urged them to ensure complete alignment with the principles, development agenda and policies of the government of the day.
In his speech, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Chief G. C. Onyendilefu, noted that the event marks the end of a painstaking journey of electing Traditional Rulers in their various communities. He charged them to live in peace and harmony with members of their communities as well as work in tandem with the state government policies.
Chief Onyendilefu implored the newly installed traditional rulers to attract and support developmental projects which align with the aspirations of the people and in line with government vision and programs aimed at ensuring peace and progress of the state. He further stressed the importance of being law abiding leaders while residing within their various communities as it will enable them see to the welfare of their subjects without rancour.
Speaking to newsmen, the Chairman of Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers, HRH Eze Joseph Nwabekee, charged the newly appointed Traditional Rulers to, above all, ensure the presence of peace and tranquility in their various communities while maintaining the customs and traditions of their various communities. He encouraged them to devise means of settling certain community disputes before it escalates to chaotic proportions. According to him, “I urge them to keep to the tenets of this institution and be loyal to the government that has recognized them today”.
He also charged them to organise town union programs and help youths to achieve greater successes in their chosen legitimate areas of engagement as well as be receptive to the feelings of their people.
Eze Nwabekee urged them to shun high handedness and recognise the people in their communities as fellow human beings.
Speaking on behalf of his colleagues, the Traditional Ruler of Ahiaban’ubi Autonomous Community, HRH Eze Dr. Okezie Amalaha thanked the Governor for the honour bestowed on them to bear their leadership prowess among their various communities. He promised that they will ensure peace reigns in their various communities and will do the needful to support and take government policies even to the grassroots level.
Climax of the event was the presentation of Staff of Office to the twenty-nine (29) newly elected Traditional Rulers in the State.
