Abia state Governor Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu has presented staff of office to 26 traditional rulers in the state.
The traditional rulers are drawn from various autonomous communities in the 17 Local Government Areas of the State.
Speaking at the occasion held at the Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs Umuahia, Governor Ikpeazu while congratulating the traditional rulers, urged them to utilize the opportunity in service of their people.
Ikpeazu charged them to carry the people at their various autonomous communities along and key into the state government’s programmes and policies at the grassroots.
He advised the traditional rulers not to use the opportunity to cause problems and segregation in their communities but to rule with the fear of God and utmost restraint.
The Governor who attributed development to the relative peace in Abia,said the traditional rulers have a duty to maintain peace in their immediate and neighbouring communities assuring that his administration will work with them to ensure optimal development at the grassroots.
The Commissoner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Prince Christopher Enweremadu in his address noted that nature abhors vacuum hence the demand for the selection of the traditional rulers to fill vacancies in communities where their erstwhile Ezes are late.
He expressed optimism that the new traditional rulers will justify the confidence reposed in them by the state government.
