Governor Otti urges traditional rulers to preserve cultural heritage
Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has urged Traditional Rulers across the South East region to be in the forefront of promoting and preserving the rich cultural heritage of the people.
Governor Otti was speaking while declaring open a one day meeting of the South East Traditional Rulers Council held at the JAAC Secretariat, Ogurube Layout, Umuahia. He described culture as an identity that defines a people.
The Governor while frowning at the infighting leading to the destruction of family ties and relationship in an effort to emerge as Traditional Ruler in some kingdoms, cited the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, as an example of what a kingdom should be.
While describing power as transient, Governor Otti said that he sees power as an opportunity to show stewardship, calling on the people to hold those in authority accountable.
According to the Governor, leadership in Abia State under his administration is seen as stewardship, hence, he is delivering services to the people without self aggrandizement.
Governor Otti thanked the leadership of the South East Traditional Rulers Council for choosing to hold their meeting in Abia State and assured them of the hospitality of Ndi Abia.
“Everyone that emerges as a leader is answerable to the people. A good leader should be a good listener,” the Governor said.
Chairman of South East Traditional Rulers Council and Chairman, Imo State Traditional Rulers Council, Eze E. C. Okeke, in his address, commended Governor Otti for the transformation he has caused Abia State since coming on board, adding that traditional rulers in South East were proud of his achievements and all machineries he was putting in place for greater development of the state.
He said that the council resolved to meet in Abia to discuss and take critical decisions on issues confronting the region and thanked Governor Otti for the prevailing peace and security in the state.
Earlier in his remarks, the Chairman, Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers, Eze Linus Mbah, and the Chairman of Umuahia North Council of Traditional Rulers, Eze Innocent Nwaigwe, commended Governor Otti for the harmonious working relationship existing between the state government and the traditional institution, adding that the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu will bring about peace in the South East region .
