Govt Raises Traditional Rulers’ Statutory Allocation

THE Abia State government has increased from three to five per cent entitlement of traditional rulers in all local governments across the state. This follows the amendment of the relevant Law by the State House of Assembly.

  Governor Theodore Orji, who told Igbere Traditional rulers when they paid him a courtesy call at the government house, said he had already signed the amended bill into law.

    Orji told the visiting royal fathers who are from former governor Orji Uzor Kalu’s Igbere Community in Bende Local Government Area, led by their Chairman, Eze Uwakwe Ukaegbu, that the welfare of traditional rulers remained one of his administration’s top priorities.

    He said no matter what transpired politically between him and their son (Orji Uzor Kalu), he has nothing against the people, hence the issue of their total reintegration is not necessary and should not arise.

    In their three page address read by Eze Eme Ogbumba Chike, they thanked Orji for appointing many Igbere sons into strategic positions in his governmenta and attending to some of their needs.

   “We are here to request your Excellency to grant our Clan total and unconditional reintegration into your administration, in spite of whatever appeared to have gone wrong in the past. We must not forget to say thank you for promptly redeeming your pledge in respect of supplying Igbere Secondary School with Science equipment, appointment of many of our sons and daughters into high positions in your government, provision of 16 Empowerment Vehicles to our people.

  “We are not only here to thank you, but to further assure you of our commitment towards ensuring a landslide success for your party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Igbere in the forthcoming elections.”

  They however pleaded with him to address the gully erosion sites threatening them, which the governor promised to look into.

     According to the governor, “I am excited seeing your royal majesties and highnesses in government house, which makes today a special day. Your visit and what you said have evidenced that I have nothing against Igbere people and also to tell and prove to the whole world that you are for me and I, for you. 

    “I will continue to cater for the welfare of the traditional rulers none of whom I have dethroned. I have also signed the passed amended Bill by the State House of Assembly that increased the state traditional rulers’ stipend from three per cent to five, which some of you have described as one of my parting gifts to you.”