REPORTER: PEACE AGBO
Governor Alex Otti has urged the traditional rulers to uphold justice, fairness and equity in the discharge of their responsibilities especially in conflict resolutions.
Governor Otti gave the advice while declaring open the South East, South-South Traditional Rulers Council meeting held at the JAAC Building in Umuahia.
The Governor advised traditional rulers across the South-East and South-South zones against being bias in the discharge of their duties, warning that taking sides in disputes undermines justice and threatens societal harmony.
Earlier in his remarks, the Chairman of the South-South Traditional Rulers Council, King Chidi Awuse highlighted the value of peace and the need for traditional rulers to work closely with political leaders for the benefit of their communities.
King Awuse who called for stronger unity between the South-East and South-South regions reiterated that cooperation and solidarity are essential for regional progress and national cohesion.
In his speech, the Chairman of the Abia State Traditional Rulers Council, Eze Linus-Nto Mba, while welcoming participants, applauded the Otti led administration for its support and developmental strides across all sectors of the State economy.
Eze Nto Mbah expressed concern over the erosion of cultural values, increasing divisions and insecurity within communities and urged traditional rulers to uphold their responsibilities as custodians of culture, promoters of unity, peace and moral values.
He appealed to President Bola Tinubu to facilitate the release of detained Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, stressing that such a move would help ease tensions and promote lasting peace in the region.
Earlier in his opening remarks, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Prince Uzor Nwachukwu, highlighted the critical role of traditional rulers as custodians of culture, peace and grassroots governance and called for stronger regional collaboration among traditional rulers in the zones to address shared challenges, especially in security, youth development and economic growth.
