Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State has charged traditional rulers in the state to advise their youths and subjects to refrain from violence in the forthcoming local government elections in the State.
The Governor gave the charge while receiving in audience the Principal Officers of the State Council of Traditional Rulers and Chairmen of the Traditional Rulers Council in the 17 Local Government Areas of the State.
He said the reason for allowing the conduct of Local Government elections is to deepen democracy and create opportunities for more youths to participate in governance.
He enjoined them to protect the customs and traditions of the state used the forum to applaud them for the peaceful selection of their executive in the 17 Local Government Areas.
The governor described the traditional rulers as strategic partners with the government and advised them to be vigilant to avoid any form of uprising in their domains.
The Governor assured the royal fathers that he would table their request for government to shelve the proposed airport project before the State Executive Council for proper review and a decision.
Earlier, the Chairman, Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers, Eze Joseph Nwabekee appreciated the Governor for inaugurating them amidst the pandemic. He saluted the achievements of the Governor in the State, saying that he has done well in all facets of the economy, including numerous road infrastructure and other projects across the State.
The Royal Fathers urged the Governor to shelve the proposed Abia Airport Project for now and use funds earmarked for it to complete the ongoing road projects in the State including some portions of the dilapidated Aba – Port Harcourt Highway and Aba – Ikot Ekpene Highway which are federal government roads, Uratta road among others. He said fixing the roads would boost the economy of the State.
DAILY POST reports that the Deputy Governor, Ude Oko Chukwu, Secretary to Government, Barrister Chris Ezem, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Dr ACB Agbazuere and other top officials of the State Government were present at the event.
