Abia State Governor Alex Otti has asked traditional rulers in the South East to take the lead in promoting and maintaining the people’s rich cultural heritage.
Otti stated on Tuesday as he opened a one-day meeting of the South East Traditional Rulers Council in Umuahia, the state capital.
He defined culture as the identity that identifies a people.
The governor, who was outraged by the infighting that had destroyed family ties and relationships in an attempt to emerge as a traditional ruler in some kingdoms, mentioned Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, the Obi of Onitsha, as an example of what a monarch should be.
While recognizing power as transient, Otti sees it as an opportunity to demonstrate stewardship, encouraging the public to keep individuals in positions of influence accountable.
According to him, leadership in Abia State under his administration is viewed as stewardship, and hence he provides services to the people without seeking personal gain.
He commended the leadership of the South East Traditional Rulers Council for holding their meeting in Abia State and assured them of Ndi Abia’s hospitality.
“Everyone that emerges as a leader is answerable to the people. A good leader should be a good listener,” he said.
In his remarks, Eze E. C. Okeke, Chairman of the South East Traditional Rulers Council and the Imo State Traditional Rulers Council, praised Otti’s resolve to transform the state.
Okeke noted that traditional rulers in the South East are proud of his accomplishments.
He stated that the council had resolved to gather in Abia to discuss and make crucial decisions on regional concerns, and congratulated Otti for the state’s current calm and security.
Earlier in his remarks, Eze Linus Mbah, Chairman of the Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers, and Eze Innocent Nwaigwe, Chairman of the Umuahia North Council of Traditional Rulers, praised Otti for the harmonious working relationship that exists between the state government and traditional institutions.
