Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has called for revitalization of traditional institutions for more effective service delivery to the grassroots.
This is as he lamented that the traditional institution, which is supposed to be respected, has now been consumed by greed and avarice, making some monarchs to confer chieftaincy titles to highest bidders and people of questionable character.
Otti, who stated this in Umuahia while flagging off 8-days workshop organized for traditional rulers in the State by the State government and Phriam group, advised the monarchs to approach the capacity building program with every sense of commitment.
Governor Otti, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Caleb Ajagba, noted that over the years, the traditional institution has been inundated with several challenges that continued to make them unable to fulfill and execute the mandate that is bestowed upon them.
He said that the traditional institution is a revered institution known for mediating between the people and the state, maintaining law and order, resolving conflicts and fostering national unity.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Uzor Nwachukwu said the essence of the workshop, which would take place in the 17 LGAs, was to equip traditional rulers for the onerous task of advancing the visionary leadership of Governor Alex Otti.
He expressed confidence that the programme would signpost a new era of traditional leadership in the state
where traditional rulers would play their roles of maintaining peace, administering justice in the communities and mobilizing their subjects for good governance, among others.
Earlier in his speech, the Chairman, Abia State Council of traditional rulers, Eze Linus Nto Mbah while commending the Governor for putting up the workshop assured that the traditional rulers would put into practice lessons derived from the workshop.
He said that the traditional rulers were appreciative of the governor’s commitment to their welfare and for honouring the traditional rulers.