|
Listen to article
|
The Abia State government has expressed strong reservation about the flagrant abuse of the appellations “His Royal Majesty,” and “His Royal Highness” by some Ezeogos in various autonomous communities in the state even when they are not government recognised traditional rulers.
A statement signed by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Uzor Nwachukwu, said that it has also been proven that the Ezeogos conferred chieftaincy titles on some citizens and friends of their various autonomous communities when they are not in the position to confer such chieftaincy titles on people.
Read Also: 2 Dead, Many Injured During Abia Catholic Faithful Procession
The statement further stressed that the Abia State of Nigeria Traditional Rulers and Autonomous Communities (Amendment) Law No. 8 of 2015, stipulates that only government-recognised traditional rulers have the right to confer chieftaincy titles on persons of proven integrity and unquestionable character.
According to the statement: “The traditional institution in the State is a respectable, reputable and revered one, and should be treated as such, hence, all celebration on conferment of chieftaincy titles on some individuals in autonomous communities in Arochukwu, Abriba, Nkporo and Ohafia by some Ezeogos is hereby cancelled in the interest of peace in the State.”
Ths Abia State Government further said: “Security agencies have been put on red alert to arrest and prosecute any Ezeogo or individual in any autonomous community who challenges the government’s directive.”
In other news, amid increasing insecurity from a series of violent attacks, Abia Governor Dr. Alex Otti has pledged to restructure the state’s security architecture. The decision underscores his administration’s determination to protect citizens and restore order in areas grappling with unrest.
After convening an emergency security council meeting to respond to recent attacks on security personnel, Governor Otti told the press that the state is intensifying efforts to eliminate criminal groups. He made it clear that the administration is committed to restoring order and security for all residents.
“We have all sat down to look at the security architecture of the State and I am happy that we have resolved to rejig the security architecture to ensure that something like these (attacks) will be a thing of the past. We also have decided to smoke out all the criminal elements from wherever they are hiding.
“We are happy to assure you that we can deal with them accordingly. We commit the security agencies. We have also agreed to redouble our efforts in various areas where there are possibilities of attacks”.
The Governor firmly warned criminal elements that Abia would not provide a safe environment for them, reinforcing the state’s commitment to security.
