From Okey Sampson, Umuahia
Governor Alex Otti has warned traditional rulers in Abia State that the government would not hesitate to take stern action against traditional rulers whose domains are used as criminal hideouts.
Addressing the principal officers of the Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers and their 17 local government area chairmen and secretaries at the Government House, Umuahia, Otti warned the royal fathers that his administration has zero tolerance for insecurity.
While stressing the need for the traditional rulers in the state to assist the government to fight crime and criminality in their communities, the governor said the traditional institution would play a key role in his administration’s fight against insecurity. He told the monarchs it was his desire that individuals in the state would go to their farms and carry out other legitimate activities safely.
Otti assured the royal fathers that his government will remain open to their fatherly counsel as well as continue to engage them as major stakeholders and custodians of the culture and tradition of the people.
Describing traditional rulers as critical stakeholders in the rebuilding agenda of his administration, Otti restated his commitment to building a new Abia and intimated them that his government would pay serious attention on education, healthcare delivery, infrastructure among others.
The traditional rulers, led by their Chairman, Eze Joseph Nwabekee, assured the governor that traditional rulers in the state will give his administration maximum support to enable him succeed. They congratulated Otti on his election and inauguration and informed him about the high expectations of Abia people.