Abia State Governor Dr Okezie Ikpeazu has presented 16 newly recognized traditional rulers selected by their various autonomous communities and screened by the Government with their staff of office.
Speaking at the event at the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Umuahia, the Governor reminded the ezes elect that they were called for service and charged them to rule with honesty and the fear of God.
He advised them to see their triumph over their opponents as one that will bring peace, progress and development in their communities, pointing out that they would not have achieved anything if rancor and acrimony is seen to have taken over.
The Governor who warned the new royal fathers against working at cross purposes with his government promised to support them if they remain loyal to his administration.
According to him, as Chief Security officers of their various autonomous communities, they were expected to take security seriously and give out useful information to the government about bad eggs in their midst.
Earlier in his address, the commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, chief Charles Ogbonnaya explained that the ezes elect were presented by their communities and screened by the government and installed according to the customary laws and urged them to fish out and report to the government hoodlums in their communities.
Responding on behalf of others, Eze Godwin Nwakanma thanked the Governor for recognizing them and pledged to maintain peace and security in their various dormains.