Ohakim Gives Staff Of Office To New Royal Fathers
The Governor of Imo State, Dr Ikedi Ohakim has presented certificates / staff of office to twelve (12) new Royal fathers at the Multipurpose Hall, Government House, Owerri, Governor Ohakim informed them that his administration attaches much importance to Traditional Institutions in the State, and has rebranded the institution so much that prominent and educated persons are chose as Royal Fathers, unlike before when the Institution was left for the uneducated.
The governor therefore told the monarchs that his administration counts on their experience to manage the affairs of their communities. “As Traditional Rulers, you are the chief security officers of your domain and should therefore help security Agents to fish out criminals in your communities” Governor Ohakim charged them.
He hinted that government will not tolerate any kind of violence, especially during this period of elections, and advised them to inform parents to ask their children to stay away from acts that may disrupt the peace in the state.
Governor Ohakim also warned that his administration will not condone a situation where unrecognized Eze-elects parade themselves as Traditional Rulers, and thereby causing problem in communities for pronounced and recognized monarchs.
He made it clear that people with questionable characters cannot be allowed to preside over traditional institutions, pointing out that time has passed when all manners of people were recognized as Royal Fathers, either because they have ‘long legs’ or bribed their way through.