Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, on Saturday presented certificates and staff of office to 66 new traditional rulers in the state.

In a speech at the event held at the Government House, Owerri, Mr Uzodimma charged them to serve and treat their subjects in a manner pleasing to God.

He urged them not to see their subjects as slaves but to demonstrate the importance of honesty, peace and justice in leadership.

He also warned them against ruling their communities from diaspora, vowing to withdraw the staff of office of any defaulter. 

The governor also urged them to see themselves as part of government and ambassadors at the community level.

He said, “You are recognised to support local government chairmen and councillors to ensure that law and order are maintained in our communities.’’

He emphasised their role in maintaining security in their domains, saying that any traditional ruler who joined in causing insecurity would be dethroned.

“If I see that you are not able to manage security in your community, we will change you. Raise vigilance groups and work with the youth to defend your communities,” he said.

The governor charged them to work with his administration, and not to allow anybody to use them to fight or undermine the government.

According to him, anybody who wants to fight the government should come directly.

Pledging support of his administration to the various communities, Mr Uzodimma congratulated them and prayed to God to grant them wisdom to lead their people.

Responding on behalf of the new royal fathers, the Traditional Ruler of Umuezeala/Umueme Community in the Oru East Local Government Area of the state, Prof. Peter Nnabuo, assured the governor that they would ensure that peace and tranquillity returned to their communities.

In an interview with journalists, the traditional ruler of Ihite-afoukwu Ancient Kingdom, Ahiazu Mbaise LGA, Eze Okwudili Nwandu, expressed delight over his appointment.

He commended the governor for finding him worthy to serve his people and pledged to ensure that they benefitted from the dividend of traditional rulership under his watch.

Also, the traditional ruler of Amato Autonomous community, Obowo, Michael Obioma, thanked the governor for making the dream of his community a reality.

Mr Obioma also pledged to focus on ensuring peace and security of lives and property in his community. 

(NAN)