Take bribes, be humiliated by your subjects – Gov Nwifuru charges Royal Fathers, gives staff of office to four
By Oswald Agwu
Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has charged Traditional rulers in the State to avoid bribery, injustice and other forms of corruption in their domains in order to avert humiliation from subjects.
The Governor gave the charge Monday while presenting Staff of office and certificate of recognition to four royal fathers in his office in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State capital.
The newly recognized royal fathers are Augustine Mbam Nwamini of Ndebor Ezza Inyimagu in Izzi local government area and Boniface Nwoba Nwangbu of Izzi Unuhu autonomous Community in Abakaliki local government area.
Others are Chinedu Nwankwo of Ogboji Ezzaegu Autonomous Community and Ewa Orji Uka of Nguzu Edda autonomous Community in Ishielu and Afikpo South Local government areas respectively.
The traditional rulers for some years has been discharging royal functions in their various communities following elections by their subjects, but without recognition from the Government.
Governor Nwifuru who expressed concern that the traditional rulers have not been recognized by the past administration in spite of their assumed responsibilities in their communities, charged them to be more dedicated to peace and justice in their various communities.
The Governor further urged them to preside over the affairs of their Kingdoms with maximum integrity and transparency warning that the Government will not fail to withdraw the symbol of authority from any of them found wanting.
Nwifuru said: “It gives me joy to do this because some of you have been deprived due recognition, intimidated and denied of your rights by your colleagues on the grounds that you have not been recognized by the State government.
“There is no gain in being a traditional ruler except the passion for service, and I want to urge you people to be sincere with your subjects.
“Don’t take your subjects for granted; give every body equal space to defend himself; remain focused and dedicated.
“If you decide to start acquiring wealth by collecting bribes from your subjects, you will be humiliated by them.
“This is a very high responsibility you have taken ”
The Governor commended the Commissioner for Local government and Chieftaincy Matters, Uchenna Igwe for drawing his attention to the plight of the royal fathers.
Igwe, in an opening remark highlighted the enormous roles of traditional rulers as custodians of peace in the communities.
He noted that in assumption of office, he discovered that only about half out of the 140 autonomous communities in the State have traditional rulers duly recognized by the government, hence the need for the event.
Appreciating the Governor on behalf of his colleagues, HRH Augustine Mbam Nwamini pledged not to disappoint the Governor and their various communities.
“All you have said, we will keep to the letter” Nwamini assured the Governor.
Meanwhile, HRH, Chinedu Nwankwo, in an interview expressed great excitement describing the event as a long awaited dream come true.
He prayed God to bless and advocate for Governor Nwifuru in all his life endeavor, describing the Governor as a liberator and peace loving leader.
