The Governor of Ebonyi State, Engr. David Nweze Umahi, has told traditional rulers in the state that they are the Chief Security Officers and chief farmers of their various communities.

Umahi, while donating18 brand new IVM jeeps to some monarchs in the state at Government House, Abakaliki, said they were expected to use the vehicles to drive agriculture and ensure adequate security in the areas.

The governor, according to a statement on Sunday by his spokesman, Emma Anya, informed the traditional rulers that they were not expected to pay for the jeeps. He however solicited their support for massive food production in the state.

Umahi said: “We are naming you our Chief Security Officers of each of your communities and we are naming you the number one farmers. This is principally for you to use for agricultural programme and that’s why this vehicle will not attract any VAT or tax or education levy because it is for agriculture and you’re all farmers and so we expect your cooperation.”

He also announced that fund for the procurement of vehicles for other traditional rulers was intact, stressing that he saved the money to avoid price increase which may affect the purchase of the additional vehicles in 2017.

The Governor added: “I want to assure you that the money we are going to use to pay for about 80 of you is already made available. We already have it. So if you don't have your own today and you want that money, you show me the vehicle I will give you.”

While he disclosed that the Local Government Chairmen would pay 50% and the State Government 50% for the purchase of the vehicles, he also announced that the monarchs would be given inconvenience allowance every three months to enable them look good.

The Governor added: “Even though the local government is ready to pay100%, the State Government said No. We’re going to do 50 - 50. So we will contribute 50% and they (LGs) will contribute 50%. We may every three months try and give them wardrobe allowance.”

Responding, the Chairman, Ebonyi State Council of Traditional Rulers, HRH Charles Mkpuma, thanked the Governor for his magnanimity in providing the vehicles for them as well as improving the lives of traditional rulers in the state, promising not to disappoint him.

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