By Victor Nwegede, Abakaliki.
The traditional ruler representing Abakaliki Local Government Area in Izhi clan in Lagos State, HRH Eze Simeon Aziewa (Eze Nwachinemere Pharmaceutical Nig Ltd) has urged Governor Francis Nwifuru to utilize his socio-political leadership experience to fight poverty in the barest minimum in Ebonyi state.
The Monarch in an interview with journalists in Abakaliki, described the successful election and inauguration of Nwifuru as the fourth Executive Governor of the State as the most notable political episode of the year.
He, however, advised Governor Nwifuru to be magnanimous in his present office while delivering the dividends of democracy to the Ebonyi citizens.
He said, "We are very grateful for the successful election and inauguration of the brand new Governor of Ebonyi State, His Excellency Rt Hon Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru (Ekwueme 1 of Izhiland). His emergence is a symbol of hope and a true interpretation of democracy; where equity, fairness and justice have been demonstrated to the gallery.
"There are many expectations of Ebonyi people on our Governor, but I'm pleading with him, to use his good office to reduce the poverty index of Ebonyi State. There is hunger in the land, but I'm confident that he will wield his experiences by creating opportunities, policies and programmes to use and make Ebonyi people happy."
Eze Aziewa emphasised the need to restructure the Igbo traditional institutions to stimulate integrity and reverence for the custodians by their subjects, especially the political actors from their communities and beyond.
"There is a need to restructure our traditional institutions, especially in the aspect to earn honour and reverence for the custom and traditional custodians in our various communities or Kingdoms.
"If you go to places like Hausa, Yoruba and other tribes, they attach special reverence for the custodians of culture and traditions. They are being honoured by both the low and high-class people. But in Igbo land you see how some of our traditional rulers are been turned into a subject of servitude, luring them into street politics, and have no power to defend their kingdoms for having sold off their integrity to the public, especially the political actors.
"In our state, it's my appeal that the new administration should look into the traditional institutions and bring sanity into the system to make the custodians thoroughly understand their worth and play with the consciousness of building a society where our valued culture and traditions will remain unforgettable," the monarch said.
He assured Governor Nwifuru of his unwavering support while expressing confidence that the present administration in the state would touch humanity in mega style in considering his manifesto anchored on the charter of people's needs.
