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Igbo traditional rulers have implored the Federal Government to do anything reasonably within its powers to halt the menace of insecurity in the country before it ruins the nation’s economy. They pointed out that insecurity which they described as a malaise, can cripple socioeconomic and political fabrics and growth in the country.
The monarchs also lauded Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State over what they termed “his unwavering support to the traditional institution in the country”,.
He stressed that other State Governors in Nigeria should emulate his leadership role in the promotion and protection of the sanctity and dignity of the traditional institution.
The monarchs who stated this during an emergency meeting of the Igbo Traditional Rulers Forum held in Owerri, on Wednesday, made it clear that the spate of insecurity in the country requires innovative approach to address. They decried the alarming rate of banditry and kidnappings, pointing out that empowering the youths to be self reliant through their respective communities’ leaderships rather than politicising such empowerment programmes might be the panacea to the rising cases of insecurity in the country.
The Forum under the Chairmanship of the Obi of Obinugwu, HRM EZE (DR) Cletus Ilomuanya, averred that Governor Uzodinma has set a commendable pace in infrastructural development, and people oriented leadership, pointing out that Imo is blessed to have such a leader.
Some of the monarchs opined that “on our way to Owerri for this meeting, we had to ply the Orlu/Owerri road. We were marveled by the wonders the Governor of Imo State has done on that very lengthy road. The transformation was amazing.”
They also paid glowing tributes to Uzodinma for the cordial relationship between the Governor and the traditional institution. They implored other Governors to emulate Uzodinma’s humane nature as well as his respect for the traditional institution, noting that the traditional rulers in Igboland will always be praying for his success and well-being. They further showered encomia on the Governor for positively transforming Imo State within his few years in office, stating that posterity will always remember him for his good works.
The monarchs described Governor Uzodinma as “a pace setter”, positing that Uzodinma has set an enviable precedence which other Governors are expected to cue into.
The communique issued at the end of the emergency meeting of the Forum, among others, advised traditional rulers to remain non-partisan before and during the 2023 electioneering campaigns in order to protect the dignity of the institution.
It also announced the setting up of a Security Committee which is expected to advice the FORUM on how best to meaningfully dialogue with the Federal and State Governments with a view to proffering realistic ways of addressing the menace of insecurity in Igboland and Nigeria as a nation.
