BY: EMMANUEL CHUKWUMA, ENUGU.
Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma has presented a Staff of Office to 66 new Traditional Rulers in the State.
The governor, while reading the riot act to the new rulers, urges them to perform or lose their recognition from the government.
The event took place at the Sam Mbakwe Executive Council Chambers, Government House Owerri.
Uzodimma reminded the Royal Fathers of their roles in ensuring peace and order in their respective communities and urged them to always work hand in glove with the government to foster peace and security in the State.
He further charged them to ensure they work closely with their Community “as Ambassadors of government and not compete with the Local Government Chairmen or other Principal Officers of the Government,” reminding them that they are elected by their communities, while the government only gives recognition.
He warned that the government would not hesitate to withdraw the Certificate of Recognition issued to any Royal Father discovered to have made a false declaration to the government or found incapable of managing his community.
As custodians of their Community’s traditions and customs, the Governor reminded the monarchs of the need to live in their domain with their subjects, as failure to do so would attract consequences.
He also counseled them against entering into an unholy alliance, via oath taking, with nonstate actors perpetrating insecurity in the State, maintaining that rather than such, part of their responsibility is to mobilize the youths in their jurisdiction to secure external assault and secure the people.
Governor Uzodimma charged them to remain honest and ensure justice at all times, as they relate closely with their people, pointing out that sustaining security in the state depends on their ability to bring peace among their people.
“If you don’t live in your community if you abandon your people, and if we get any security report suggesting that you are a Traditional Ruler in Diaspora, we will withdraw your recognition,” he stressed.
In a vote of thanks on behalf of the newly recognized Traditional Rulers, HRH Eze Prof. Peter Nnabuo of Umuezeala Umueme in Oru East Local Government area expressed delight for the honor by the Governor and pledged their loyalty to the Government of Imo State and their readiness to ensure peace and security in their various communities.
