Abia State Governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu has presented Staffs of Office to twenty-nine (29) new Traditional Rulers across the State with a charge to them to be custodians of peace and to refrain from any act that will be inimical to the growth and interest of their communities, Local Government and the Government of the State.
Speaking during the presentation of Staffs of Office to the newly elected Traditional Rulers held at Michael Okpara Auditorium Umuahia, the Governor stated that the Ezeship stool represents the fourth tier of government and urged them to serve in their various communities and as custodians of the culture and traditions, being responsible for the security and economic development of their communities.
__In his words, “it is your duty to bring to government knowledge of everything that will improve lives of the people”._
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He encouraged them to join forces with government in sensitising the people and ensure they implement the COVID-19 laid down protocols.
The State Chief Executive warned against subversive acts that break the traditional institutions and create clogs in the State’s wheel of progress but to ensure complete alignment with the principles, rules 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 government policies.
Chief Onyendilefu implored them to bring developmental projects which align with the government programmes and 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.
Earlier, the Chairman 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 custom and tradition of their various communities.
He encouraged them to devise means of settling certain community problems before it escalates to an unimaginable proportion. 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”._
HRH Eze Nwabeke further charged them to organise town union programmes for youths as well as be receptive to the feelings of their people, while urging them to shun high handedness and recognise the people in their communities.
Speaking on behalf his colleagues, the Traditional Ruler of Ahiaba Ubi Autonomous Community, HRH Eze Dr. Okezie Amalaha thanked the Governor for the honour bestowed on them to exercise their leadership right in their communities while promising to ensure peace reigns in different communities and will do the needful to support and take government policies even to the grassroot level.
The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Sir Onyebuchi Enemanka reports that; Secretary to Government, Barrister Chris Ezem and other top officials of the State Government were present at the event.
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