Twenty new monarchs in Abia State recently elected by their autonomous communities have been presented with the staff of office.

They were elected to fill vacancies that arose from death or unforeseen circumstances in the affected communities which cut across 11 local government areas of the state.

Governor Theodore Orji presented the staff, which is the symbol of authority, to the new kings (ezes) yesterday at the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Umuahia. He said the ceremony underscored the value his government places on traditional rulers as they play major roles in security of life and property as well as preservation of the culture of the people at the grassroots.

The governor charged them to remain steadfast in their responsibilities of assisting government in sustaining peace and security in the state. He urged them to see themselves as agents of socio- economic development and should refrain from creating rancor in their various communities.

According to him, the new royal fathers should support the government in power, assuring them that the government would do its best to ensure that they are comfortable in line with their new status.

Chief Orji made it clear that a government that presents staff to traditional rulers has a reverse right to withdraw such staff when they (monarchs) go against their code of conduct. He advised royal fathers against using the staff given to them to fight government. He also advised those aggrieved over the choice of any of the monarchs presented with staff of office to go to court to seek redress, rather than foment trouble in their communities, warning that the government would descend heavily on those involved in such acts.

The governor used the forum to commend royal fathers that have been supportive of his out-going government and contributed immensely in providing security as well as peace and order in their communities.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Local Government and chieftaincy Affairs, Engr. Emma Nwabuko, said the kings were selected based on merit and following due process. He pointed out that his ministry does not go to communities to select traditional rulers but allows communities to select and present their ezes-elect first to the local government and then to the ministry before it makes recommendation to the governor.

Nwabuko said the ezes-elect were painstakenly scrutinised, adding that due to the governor’s magnanimity, five traditional rulers who were suspended in the past for misconduct have been reinstated while two others who did not follow the code of conduct have been dethroned.

Responding on behalf of the others, the traditional ruler of Mbutu Ukwu autonomous community, Eze Chinedu Mbogu, thanked Governor Orji for the recognition accorded them and promised that they would be loyal and supportive of the government.

•Photo shows a cross section of the newly enthroned Abia royal fathers.

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