Abia Govt not Planning to Cage Traditional Rulers – Eze Nto Mbah, Warns Politicians to Mind their Business

The Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers says there is no truth in the rumours making the rounds that the State Government plans to cage or gag the traditional institution in the State.

The Council was reacting to a social media post credited to one Uche Aguoru to the effect that Abia State Government is moving to cage traditional rulers in the state under the guise of code of conduct.

In a release endorsed by the Chairman of the Council, Eze Sir Linus Nto Mbah, the Council described the rumours malicious, unguarded and misleading, opting “to put the record straight and ensure that gullible Abians and Nigerians are not deceived by politicians who have no other business than to look out for how to find fault and score cheap political goal against their opponents.”

It explained that there is a code of conduct which is necessary to maintain integrity of the most revered Traditional Rulers in Abia State, adding that the code is being drafted currently and is yet to be considered or approved for implementation.

Below is the full statement

PRESS STATEMENT:

THERE IS NO MOVE TO CAGE TRADITIONAL RULERS BY ABSG, POLITICIANS SHOULD MIND THEIR BUSINESS

The attention of the Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers has been drawn to a malicious, unguarded and misleading information peddled by a politician and member of the PDP in Abia State, Mr. Uche Aguoru to the effect that Abia State Government (ABSG) is moving to cage traditional rulers in the state under the guise of code of conduct.

Ordinarily, the Traditional Rulers in Abia State would have ignored this falsehood but in order to put the record straight and to ensure gullible Abians and Nigerians are not deceived by politicians who have no other business than to look out for how to find fault and score cheap political goal against their opponents, hence the need for this press statement.

Let it be known by all and sundry that there is no truth in the information shared on the social media platforms by the said Aguoru. Also, that there is no plan or move in whatsoever to cage or gag the traditional institution in Abia State.

There is rather a code of conduct which is necessary to maintain integrity of the most revered Traditional Rulers in Abia State. This code of conduct is being drafted currently and is yet to be considered or approved for implementation. There is also no summon whatsoever or threat to sanction or suspend any Traditional Ruler by the state Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.

The Council categorically states and reiterates that it does not belong to any political party but supports ideal leadership such as being witnessed under Governor Alex Chioma Otti OFR. The Traditional Rulers under this administration has been treated with honour and candour and cannot be mistreated or caged as erroneously viewed by rumour mongers.

This is an administration that has raised the stipend of Traditional Rulers to a least N250,000 monthly, provides funds for Christmas packages of the Tradititional Rulers and has continuously accommodated them. This is unlike previous administrations where Traditional Rulers stipend was nothing to write home about

Governor Alex Otti OFR has demonstrated capacity and prudence in leadership of Abia state and financial management of our funds. He has made the Traditional Rulers proud by fixing long abandoned roads even in the rural areas to assist our farmers . He has retrofitted hospitals, renovated schools and introduced free education, achieved security in our communities and kept our towns neat through robust waste management system, paid arrears of salaries and pensions as well as pays workers and pensioners regularly among others.

The Traditional Rulers therefore caution political elements not to rope them into their dirty politics. Traditional rulers are not politicians but custodians of culture and traditions of the people and vanguards of good governance, especially at the grassroots. The Traditional Rulers are there to give the necessary support to government at all levels more especially governments that place premium on the welfare, peace , progress and development of her people.

The Abia Council of Traditional Rulers hereby sternly warns politicians to play their politics without dragging Traditional Rulers in the state into their politics, especially as they have started their political business of 2027.

Abia people and residents should discountenance the rumour and continue to support the visionary leadership of CHIOMA NDI ABIA, Governor Alex Otti, OFR.

SIGNED
HRM EZE SIR LINUS NTO MBAH, KSS, KSJ
CHAIRMAN ABIA STATE COUNCIL OF TRADITIONAL RULERS.