Monarchs from South-East, South-South Regions Unite in Abia for Peace and Development Summit
Traditional rulers from Nigeria's South-East and South-South regions convened in Umuahia, the capital of Abia State, on Friday for a significant meeting hosted by the Abia State Traditional Rulers Council. The gathering underscored the essential role of traditional institutions in advancing peace, security, and development across communities.
Call for Sustained Collaboration
The monarchs, joined by various stakeholders, emphasized the need for ongoing cooperation between governmental bodies and traditional institutions to build resilient and prosperous communities. They highlighted that such partnerships are crucial for addressing pressing regional challenges.
Concerns Over Cultural Erosion and Communal Conflicts
In his address, Linus Ntoh Mbah, Chairman of the Abia State Traditional Rulers Council, expressed deep concern about the erosion of cultural values and the increase in communal conflicts. He urged fellow royal fathers to remain steadfast as custodians of culture and promoters of unity, reinforcing their lifelong responsibilities.
Emphasis on Unity and Regional Integration
Chidi Awuse, Chairman of the South-South Monarchs Forum, stressed the importance of unity, cooperation, and support for constituted authorities. He advocated for stronger regional integration between the South-East and South-South, noting that collective action yields greater results than isolated efforts.
Governor Otti's Remarks on Unity and Development
Host Governor Alex Otti called for greater unity, justice, fairness, and collaboration among leaders from both regions. He asserted that collective effort is the surest path to sustainable development. Otti reminded traditional rulers of their enduring duty to uphold justice and fairness in their communities, contrasting their lifelong roles with temporary political offices.
Governor Otti also dismissed claims of disunity among political leaders in the region, particularly within the South-East Governors' Forum. He explained that differences in priorities often stem from local realities, stating, "Sometimes, people create differences that exist only in their imagination. We, as South-East governors, work together. However, the needs of each state may differ at any given time." He added that Abia's development priorities are guided by urgent needs such as road infrastructure, healthcare delivery, and education.
Commissioner's Perspective on Traditional Institutions
Earlier in the event, Uzor Nwachukwu, Abia State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, described the gathering as a convergence of wisdom, tradition, and collective responsibility. He emphasized that traditional institutions remain vital to grassroots governance, peace, and development. Nwachukwu urged monarchs to deepen collaboration with the government to tackle insecurity, youth unemployment, and other regional challenges.
The meeting served as a platform for reaffirming the critical role of traditional rulers in fostering harmony and progress, with a clear call for enhanced partnerships to drive sustainable development in Nigeria's South-East and South-South regions.
