Shun Partisan Politics, Gov Urges Royal Fathers

Traditional rulers in Imo have been advised to focus on their role of providing good leadership and not engage in partisan politics.

Governor Ikedi Ohakim gave the advice in Owerri at a Christmas party organised for the traditional rulers.

He said strict adherence to the advice would ensure the rapid socio-economic development of their domains.

Ohakim, represented by Mr Kezie Ogaziechi, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, told the traditional rulers that some of them were being investigated for dabbling into partisan politics.

The advice was sequel to the recent killing in Owerri of Eze Emeka Njoku, the traditional ruler of Ibeamaukwu-Ama in the Ehime Mbano Local Government Area.

“The intractable intra-autonomous community crisis in most council areas is worrisome and government will soon come up with its position on this.

“Let me warn all communities situated along the highways within Imo against causing obstruction on the roads with masquerades or any other materials during this festive period,” the governor said.

He assured the people that adequate arrangements had been made to ensure the security of lives and property during the Yuletide.

Ohakim promised the royal fathers that his administration would continue to give priority to their welfare as the custodians of the people’s cultural heritage, saying: “I enjoyed the wonderful support you gave me this year.”

He announced that new autonomous communities would be created in the state and added that the government would be guided by the rules in according recognition to those that required autonomy.

The governor, however, noted that 13 traditional rulers in the state died during the year.

The climax of the occasion was the presentation of peace and tranquility awards to 18 royal fathers, including Eze Cletus Ilomuanya, the Chairman, South-East Traditional Rulers Council.