Governor Alex Otti of Abia State, has emphasized the importance of peace and reconciliation with a call on the new Eze Aro to prioritize these principles in piloting the affairs of the kingdom.
Governor Otti who gave the call when Eze Eberechukwu Oji, the ninth Eze Aro and some leaders of Aro Kingdom paid him a visit in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area, stressed that achieving peace and unity is crucial for the progress and prosperity of the kingdom.
The Governor highlighted the state government’s commitment to upholding due process was followed in the handling of issues that concerned the people of Abia and added that “it was based on this premise that we insisted on doing the right thing”, when the tussle ensued.
“When it looked like things were about to go bad, I insisted on due process. During our first meeting, I told you people that we will follow the right way.
“Let us do things right and what is the right thing to do even though at end of the day, if you are not recognised by the government you can’t become a traditional ruler any where in Nigeria.
“This is what the constitution says, but we still follow due process and I am happy it has ended this way.
“So the next step for you is to unite the community, because some people will feel aggressive but if they consider the process that was followed they will see that it is the right thing that was done“, Otti said
Governor Otti praised the qualities of the new Eze Aro, citing his youth, education, experience, and success in previous endeavors as assets for effective leadership, expressed optimism that under the new Eze Aro’s leadership, the kingdom would experience justice, equity, and fairness.
He said that the with the way the world is going, leadership positions need to be occupied by someone who would be able to operate 24 hours and meets the demands of contemporary times and added that the Eze Aro meets all the specifications of a leader.
“You have age on your side,you have education, you have contact and you have been successful with other things you have been doing.
“That is what we require and you put it to good use and I believe in the near future Aro would be different
“You have a government that is on that trajectory of changing everything and making things new,” he said.
Governor Otti assured the traditional ruler of government support to enable him have a successful reign and encouraged him to approach the government whenever necessary.
Earlier, in his response, the Eze Aro, thanked the Governor for for his role in ensuring a peaceful and traditional transition of leadership which saw to his emergence of the ninth Eze Aro and expressed his commitment to fostering prosperity and harmony in Aro Kingdom.
He also thanked the Governor for his support and guidance, which played a vital role in ensuring that due process was followed in the entire process.
“Today Aro has gotten an Eze Aro and a new Eze Ibom Isii and there is peace, harmony and prosperity in Aro Kingdom.
“This is the Lord’s doing and we will work together to preserve this good work.
“We promise to work together as one to bring prosperity to the people of Aro Kingdom,” Eze Aro added.