Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has inaugurated the 8th Council of Traditional Rulers (Ndi-Eze) in Abia State comprising the Principal officers and members of Council.
Inaugurating the Council at the Michael Okpara Auditorium, Umuahia, the State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, directed the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs to create a platform that would enable Traditional Rulers in the State play a more prominent role in the governance of the State. He also charged the Commissioner to create a forum for government to interface with the Council periodically as a way of synergizing with them.
The Governor further directed the Commissioner for Agriculture to ensure that the distribution of fertilizer and other agricultural inputs are done in consultation with Royal Fathers in the State. He described the traditional institution as the fourth tier of government and custodians of Abia culture in whom he is proud and urged them to study policies of his administration and align properly with them so that their communities would continue to benefit from the government.
Governor Ikpeazu thanked the traditional rulers for their prayers and support during his fight with Covid-19 and implored them to continue in their good work of maintaining peace in their communities.
Earlier in his speech, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Chief Gabriel Onyendilefu, stated that the essence of the event was to reconstitute the 8th Assembly of the Abia State Traditional Rulers Council following the tenure expiration of the former Council.
Chief Onyendilefu noted that the leadership of the Council rotates among the three (3) Senatorial Zones in Abia State and is for a tenure of three years. He described the inauguration as unique as it was the first time Governor Ikpeazu was inaugurating the Council.
Responding on behalf of other members of the 8th Council of Traditional Rulers in Abia State, Chairman of the Council, Eze Ndubuisi Nwabeke assured the Govermor that they would be different as well as ensure that peace reigns supreme in their various domains.
He equally appreciated the Governor for all his giant strides in Abia State, including the refurbishing of Michael Okpara Auditorium, Umuahia, and urged him to continue even as he appreciated God for the Governor’s quick recovery from Covid-19 infection.
In separate interviews, the First Deputy Chairman, Eze Kalu Ogbu Kalu, Second Deputy Chairman, Eze Harry Ugwuala, Third Deputy Chairman, Eze Godfrey Onwuka and Traditional Rulers of Ataigboukwu in Arochukwu LGA, Eze Linus Nto Mba and Eze Friday Ikpeazu of Obingwa LGA assured of their commitments in mobilizing their colleagues to sustain peace and tranquility in their various domains. They appreciated Governor Okezie Ikpeazu for inaugurating the 8th Council of the Traditional Rulers and promised to do their best in ensuring that the council succeeds.
