Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu has cautioned Traditional Rulers in the state to make use of the authority they have to ensure they maintain law and order in their domains, warning that the era of picking staff of office and disappearing is over.
The governor gave the charge when he officially presented Staffs of Office to 23 Ezes-elect of various autonomous Communities in the State as Traditional Rulers.
He charged them to be vigilant and help secure their communities.
Presenting the Staffs of Office to the new Traditional Rulers, Governor Ikpeazu stated that the staff of office is a symbol of respect, authority, and power, and charged them to exercise their powers with the fear of God and the utmost discretion.
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In a statement signed by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Onyebuchi Ememanka, he told them to be mindful of the rules and regulations guiding the ezeship stool which they now occupy.
Governor Ikpeazu further challenged them to be responsive and ensure that peace and tranquility reign supreme in their communities, emphasizing that they must be fair to their people and unite their people by ensuring that they do not factionalize traditional rulership.
Responding on behalf of his colleagues, the Traditional Ruler of Mgboko-Itungwa Autonomous Community, Obingwa LGA, Eze Chibuzo Ngwakwe thanked Governor Okezie Ikpeazu for finding them fit for the position of Traditional Rulers.
He pledged their commitment to fulfill all that is expected of them as Traditional Rulers in Abia State and ensure that peace and tranquility prevail in their domains.
The event attracted many dignitaries including the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Ude Oko Chukwu, Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Chris Ezem, Deputy Chief of to the Deputy Governor, Sir Don Ubani, Chairman Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers, Eze Joseph Nwabekee, Abia State Chairman, Christian Associations of Nigeria, Apostle Emmanuel Agomuo amongst others.