Southeast, South South Traditional Rulers Call For Proactive Measures To Check Excesses Of Herdsmen

The Monarchs of the Old Eastern Region have expressed worry over the activities of herdsmen in the Eastern part of the country, calling on Government to rise up to the challenge in order to avoid further damage.

The Chairman, Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council, and the traditional ruler of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe, made this call on their behalf, during the 2019 Seminar of the Anambra State traditional Rulers Council, held in Awka.

Igwe Achebe, who regretted the killings and destruction of crops by the herdsmen and their cattle, noted that it has affected adversely the agricultural produce of the region and also have resulted in
communities living in fear. He called on the federal government to find a lasting solution to the problem.

Speaking on the significance of the event, Igwe Achebe noted that the annual event provides them the opportunity to review their score cards for the past year, layout the agenda for the year ahead, adding that the traditional institution will not relent in ensuring peace in the country.

The Onitsha monarch used the occasion to announce the formation of a synergy and collaboration among traditional rulers of the old Eastern region, which according to him, marks a new beginning.

In an address, the Seminar Committee Chairman and the Deputy chairman, Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council, Igwe Isaac Okafor of Okpuno, expressed hope that the participants will go home better informed on the evolution of kingship in Igboland.

In a paper presentation, the keynote Speaker at the event, Dr Chidozie Chukwuokolo noted that Igbo revival lies within and not without.

In their separate remarks, the traditional ruler of Nanka, Igwe Godwin Ezeilo and his Oraukwu counterpart, Igwe Emeka Onuorah, noted that the traditional institution is a very important element in achieving sustainable peace.

The event which has its theme as “IGBO NWELU EZE”, and the eighth on its series, attracted over seven chairmen of the State Traditional Rulers Councils across the old Eastern region, including Rivers, Bayelsa, Cross-River, Akwa-Ibom, Abia, Ebonyi, Enugu among others.

Some members of the newly inaugurated Seventh House of Assembly, the Anambra State Chairman of Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo, Chief Damian Okeke Ogene, the National President of Anambra State Association of Town Unions, Chief. Alex Onukwue, among other dignitaries, attended the event.