The state of insecurity and finding the solution to it, was one of the agenda of the the south east ( SE) traditional rulers delegate meeting recently held in Umuahia, Abia state Capital.
Another was the release of the detained and prosecuted leader of the IPOB Mazi Nnamdi Kanu who is son of the SE.
Addressing the meeting held at the Conference hall of the state Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, the state governor Dr Alex Otti decried the ugly incidents that often erupted during selection of traditional rulers in the south east communities such as property destruction, killings, litigation among others.
While he urged every community to peacefully apply due process of selecting its traditional ruler, the governor argued that government influence or support, wealth possession etc should not be among the criteria for selection of traditional rulers.
He said “every community should have a peaceful process of selecting its traditional ruler who must be answerable to them and be their good listener” describing his government as a good listener that works for the interest of the people it governs.
The meeting was presided over by Chairman of the South East Traditional Rulers who is also Chairman of the Imo State Council , Eze Emmanuel Okeke said that the delegates were drawn from across the five states of the SE with the major agenda being to find workable solution to addressing the security problems in the zone.
The Host Chairman of the Abia State Traditional Rulers Council Eze Linus Mba Nto, had earlier told journalists that the main agenda of the meeting was to enthrone peace and security in the South East.
He said ” the SE Traditional rulers would not relent in their quest for peace and stability not only in SE zone but across Nigeria because without peace, there will be no development”.
He therefore urged the Federal Government for the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu stating that doing so , will address the prevalent security issues in the South East.
He opined that without the release of Kanu, it may remain difficult to separate Biafra agitators from criminal elements who hide under the separatist agitation and cause insecurity
According to him, if the IPOB leader is set free , it would make restoration of security and peace in the South East easier both for government and the traditional institution adding ” once the agitation cover is removed from the criminals, they would be picked out and dealt with as the law stipulates and thus resolve the security problems”.
