By Charles Ogbonnaya
Abia newly recognized traditional rulers have been charged to maintain peace and protect the cultural values of their various communities.
Presenting Staff of Office to thirty one Traditional Rulers in some Communities in the State, at the Michael Okpara Auditorium, Umuahia, the Abia State Governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu represented by his Deputy, Sir Ude Oko Chukwu, reminded the new traditional rulers of the need to ensure that issues like communal boundaries, farm lands and settlement of disputes are settled amicably to ensure that peace and order continue to reign in their various communities.
He enjoined the traditional rulers to use their successful ascension to the throne to reach out to all and seek advice where necessary to enable them succeed in their rulership.
Dr. Ikpeazu used the forum to remind them that now they are duly recognized having been thoroughly screened and passed through the required processes, congratulated them for achieving this feat.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Prince Christopher Enweremadu who advised the new Ezes to always maintain peace and order in their various communities commended Governor Okezie Ikpeazu for steadily running the affairs of the State even at the tail of his administration and prayed that they will enjoy a reign of peace and progress.
In his remarks, the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Chris Ezem described the activity as a normal process, while staff of office were presented to the Eze Elects in line with Government’s procedures and charged them to maintain peace and order in their domains.
Responding on behalf of the traditional rulers, The traditional rule of Ugwu Nkpa autonomous community in Bende LGA, Eze Princewill Onyegbu thanked the Governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu for recognition done them with the presentation of Staff of Office and promised that their various domains will enjoy a reign of peace and progress.
In their speeches, the traditional Ruler of Umuchi autonomous community Lokpa Ukwu Umuchieze in Umunneochi L.G.A, Dr. Frank Osita Chuks, the traditional ruler of Ibeku Osisioma Autonomous Community, Eze Ejike Alozie, the traditional ruler of Umuhu-Ezechi Autonomous Community, Eze Ambassador Chigaemezu Onwuchekwa and the traditional ruler of Okpuhu-Nkpa Autonomous Community, Eze Chidiebere Agubuche described their new positions as a call to deepening service to their people and promised to be at the forefront in drawing government’s attention to the needs of their people as well as justify the confidence reposed on them.
