The government of Ebonyi state has called on South-east traditional rulers to prioritise unity of Igbo land.
Mr. Uchenna Igwe, the state commissioner of local government and chieftaincy matters made the call during an interview immediately after the meeting of south east traditional rulers in Abakaliki.
Igwe who called for peace in areas where there is conflict, noted that the duties of the traditional ruler is to make peace.
He said, the duty and functions of any traditional ruler in his kingdom or his community is one, to ensure that there is peace.
“Because when there is peace, every other thing will thrive. And I charged them there when I was speaking that peace remains the utmost, because it is through peace that one can live and succeed. Without peace you cannot do anything.
“So I have charged them to live in peaceful manner, to bring people together, resolve some conflicts that is eroding the peace of the community. They should make sure that everywhere in Igbo land is one, not disintegrating themselves or disintegrating ourselves. That Igbo is Igbo when it comes to Anambra and Ebonyi, Enugu, Imo and Abia.
They are one and it should be their utmost priority in the agenda of discussion today.
“Another thing is that it is time the National Assembly, the Nigeria Presidency should know that traditional ruler is an institution that should be comprised in the constitution of Nigeria. They need to provide them with basic amenities, charge them with responsibility that is enshrined in the constitution of Nigeria.
On his part, Chairman Southeast traditional rulers council,HRH Eze Okeke of Amakaife ancient kingdom said the meeting provides the opportunity for them to know the performance of each states in the region.
“We are the traditional rulers who used to come together and see themselves and address themselves and address their problems. We are the masters of custom and tradition. We don’t have much to do with politics, but we direct and advise politicians who happen to be our subjects.
“As we notice now, these new governors, they are doing well. We are praising them, asking God to continue adding more grace on their elbows. So, I think that’s why we are here.
Speaking on State Police, Eze Okeke said, “State Police have been on the pipeline going, but we have our own police, vigilantes, security, which have been existing before our correction. So, I think we must have to manage our security issues, and which if you look at it now, everywhere is coming down.
