From Everest Ezihe, Owerri
Disturbed by the level of insecurities threatening Nigeria as a nation, reverred traditional rulers within the 7 Igbo speaking States of the federation under the auspices of Igbo Traditional Rulers Forum has expressed serious concern over the level of insecurity activities been witnessed on daily basis in the areas and its environ and called for collective strategic actions.
The traditional rulers who came from the States of Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, Imo, Delta and Rivers stated this in a two paged communique they raised and endorsed by, HRM Eze (Dr) Cletus Ilomuanya from Imo State, HRM Eze J.O Akaliro from Abia State and HRM Obi Dennis Adigwe of Delta State after a crucial two days strategic meeting they held at a prestigious hotel in Owerri, Imo State capital.
The meeting which was presided over by HRM Eze (Dr) Cletus Ilomuanya, the Obi of Obinugwu ancient kingdom in Orlu Senatorial Zone of Imo State enjoined Governor’s of the aforementioned States to quickly find ways of eradicating insecurities in the areas especially by ensuring that her youths are meaningfully engaged through developmental Projects and Programmes.
According to them,”all Communities in Igbo speaking States of the federation should braced up and use anything legitimately and traditionally within their reach to checkmate all criminal elements within their area as well as improving on the security situations of the areas.
“The Forum directed all their members to liaise with their Governor’s and other relevant government agencies to carry out youths developmental projects and programmes that will keep Igbo youths meaningfully busy”.
The group which also commended Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State for his visionary and purposeful leadership as well as his administration’s commitment in upliftment of traditional rulers welfare and unflinching supports to the Forum.
They noted that the membership of the forum is on individual basis and exclusively for the aforementioned 7 Igbo speaking States, and with the aims and objectives of promoting unity, peace, progressive and development of the membership States as well as Nigeria at large.
The forum stated their resolved to appreciate any individual or group committed to the growth and advancement of their area while commending Senator Ahmed Bola Tinubu, GCFR, the Nigerian President and Commander in chief of the Armed Forces for his transformational leadership focus, political appointments given to illustrious sons and daughters of the area, more so the completion of second Niger bridge as well as other giant infrastructural developments within the area and Nigeria at large.
The group further stated their resolved to rotate the hosting of the meetings among the member States as well as not being in conflict with other traditional institutions operating within their area.
Speaking shortly after the meeting with news men, HRM Eze (Dr) Oliver Chinedu Ohanweh, (Obi Gburu Gburu), the Paramount Ruler of Isiama ancient autonomous community in Isiala Mbano LGA of Imo State as well as an executive member of Igbo Traditional Rulers Forum applauded the Forum for its sincerity of purpose and inclusiveness in championing a course for unity and brotherly love among member States.
Ohanweh who gave kudos to the Chairman of the Forum, HRM Eze (Dr) Cletus Ilomuanya for impactful and patriotic leadership noting members of the Forum as Royal Fathers with integrity and pedigree.
Also speaking, HRM Oba Ihianyichukwu Nwokedi of Umuahia in Abia State described the meeting as wonderful and successful as they dwelled much on the welfare of Igbos.
Nwokedi reiterated the need for unity among the Igbo speaking brotherhood while enjoining the federal government on the need to stop what he described as “madness in killings, like the ongoing massacres in Jos, Benue, Kaduna etc” asking the federal government to step in and stop the inhuman killings.
He recalled what late Military Head of State of Nigeria, General Sani Abacha once said that, any terrorism attack that lasted for more than 72 hours be rest assured that the government in power is deeply involved.
Adding his voice, HRH Eze Patrick Egbogu of Awka South LGA in Anambra State lamented over the state of insecurities in Nigeria especially within the Igbo speaking States and advised all the tiers of government on the need to be proactive in checkmating same.
Similarly, HRM Chuka Daniel Ogbuji JP of Oshimili North LGA in Delta State informed that the essence of the meeting is to forster unity of purpose among the Igbos and address issue of insecurities prevailing the area.
