Gov. Nwifuru Vows to Return Lost Glory of Traditional Rulers

Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi has reiterated his pledge to return the lost glory of traditional rulers in the state.
Nwifuru reiterated the pledge on Friday during the South East Traditional Rulers Conference in Abakaliki, noting that “without such category of leaders, the people’s heartbeat would falter”.
The governor noted that on assumption of office, he made a covenant with God and the people: to restore dignity where it had been lost and rebuild confidence where eroded,
“Our traditional rulers are foremost in my heart as a people whose crowns are dishonoured cannot command the respect of nations.
“My administration has, therefore, taken giant steps to lift the throne of tradition back to its glory.
“We are building befitting palaces for our traditional rulers realising that palaces of the kings are the homes of all,” he said.
He noted that many of the palaces which stood as monuments of pride, had been completed and inaugurated while few were at various stages of completion.
“We have created more autonomous communities, giving recognition and identity to many who yearn for inclusion.
*We have increased remunerations to our traditional rulers realising that the crown-bearer should not suffer lack,” he said.
Nwifuru urged the traditional rulers to use the conference in proffering solutions to the numerous challenges confrontation the south east zone and country.
“Let us show the nation and indeed the world that the southeast is not a land of division but a family bound by heritage, justice, and vision,” he said.
The Chairman of the South East Traditional Rulers Council,
Eze Emmanuel Okeke, said the conference would enable them articulate plans to effectively perform their roles as custodians of the people’s culture.
“We have to devise ways of ensuring continued security of our people’s lives and properties to promote peace and unity.
“We commend governors of the zone for their responsive policies towards the people’s welfare especially in areas of security, infrastructure and human empowerment,”.
The Ebonyi Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftiancy Affairs, Mr Uchenna Igwe, Chief, enumerated the state government’s various policies aimed at enhancing the wellbeing and status of traditional rulers in the state.
“I urge the traditional rulers to evolve recommendations which would reinforce the people’s belief in the institution and bring development at the grassroots,” he said.
Several traditional rulers from the zone attended the event including the Obi of Onitsha, Alfred Achebe.