President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo have extolled the leadership competence of the Chairman, Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers and Chairman South East Council of Traditional Rulers, HRM Eze Dr. Emmanuel Okeke, noting that the monarch is an asset to Nigeria and Imo State.

The President and the Governor gave the verdict in their separate remarks on Saturday at the Eze Imo Palace at Mbari Close, Ikenegbu Layout Owerri on the occasion of Eze Okeke’s 25 years anniversary on the throne, as the traditional ruler of Amaifeke Community in Orlu Local Government Area of Imo State.

Represented by the Minister of Works and former Governor of Ebony State, Senator Dave Umahi, Tinubu described Eze Okeke as an asset to Imo State in particular and the nation at large.

The President specifically commended Eze Okeke for leading the Imo State traditional institution to collaborate with the Imo State government under Governor Uzodimma to fight crime and criminality in the State.

Senator Umahi noted that the President respects the South East region as a major stakeholder in his All Progressives Congress-led government, hence the region is not left out in the massive infrastructural development going on across the nation.

He assured the people that more democratic dividends abound as, “President Tinubu loves the South East region.”

He therefore solicited continuing support of the people for President Tinubu to foster greater development.

Governor Uzodimma in his remarks also extolled the leadership capacity of Eze Okeke, describing him as a “man of courage, wisdom and a diplomat.”

Governor Uzodimma said: “You have carried yourself with humility, integrity, embodying the finest traditional leadership. Under your wise council, Imo State and South East have continued to benefit immensely; and for this, we remain grateful.”

The Chairman of the occasion and the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe (Agbogidi), appreciated God for preserving Eze Okeke on the throne these 25 years and prayed for God’s grace to enable him bear the onerous burden of the traditional rulership.

In his welcome address, Eze Okeke who prayed for the President lauded Tinubu for his love for Imo State and the South East, and assured him of the continuing support of both the people and the traditional rulers under his watch.

Also, Eze Imo was not just full of appreciation for Governor Uzodimma for living up the expectation of sacrificial service to the people of Imo State, but thanked him and the entire Imo State people and the South East for their outpouring of love on his silver jubilee on the throne.

The high point of the event was the cutting of his anniversary cake which was moderated by the Chief of Staff to the Governor of Imo State, Barr. Nnamdi Anyaehie.

The event had in attendance, the representative of the Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Oti, Prince Uzor Nwachukwu (Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs), Deputy Governor of Imo State, Lady Chinyere Ekomaru, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Communication and Community Engagement, Mrs. Chioma Nwaeze, and members of the Imo State Expanded Executive Council led by the Secretary to the Government of Imo State, Chief Cosmos Iwu.

Also in attendance were the Local Government Chairmen and their Councillors from Imo State, traditional rulers from the five States of South East Zone including HRM, Eze Dr. Okwudili Divine Nwandu, the Akaraka III of Ihitteafoukwu in Ahiazu Mbaise LGA of Imo State, among other stakeholders of Imo extraction and friends of the celebrant.