Obi Urges Restoration Of Core Igbo Values

Gov. Peter Obi of Anambra has called on traditional rulers to work conscientiously for the restoration of Igbo core values that had been eroded by modernisation.

Obi made the call in Awka recently while declaring open a three-day Anambratraditional rulers seminar.

He expressed concern that the people could no longer speak with one voice as was the practicein the past.

“Let us have a common voice to speak and think about the things that will unite us and promote development,’’ the governor advised. Obi urged the rulers to come up with ideas that would bring about unity and development in the various communities.

In a keynote address, the Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Prof. Boniface Egboka, said that as custodians of tradition and culture, traditional rulers should show interest in raising the welfare of the people.

“Traditional rulers must have proven track records of remarkable positive contributions to the society and above all must be men of noble character, honour and integrity. “Traditional rulers, who are the embodiment of the traditional institutions, customs and cultures as well as the conscience of the people, must do everything to protect their image, integrity and trust of authority,’’ Egboka noted. He called for a well defined and proper recognition of the role and duties of traditional rulers in the forthcoming constitutional review. According to him, traditional rulers are not supposed to be appointed by politicians who may later turn around and dictate to them.