Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State, has officially presented Staffs of Office to 23 Ezes-elect of various autonomous communities in the State as traditional rulers were charged to be vigilant and help secure their communities.

Presenting the Staffs of Office to the new traditional rulers, on Thursday, in Umuahia, Governor Ikpeazu stated that the staff of office is a symbol of respect, authority and power, and charged them to exercise their powers with the fear of God and utmost discretion.

He told them to be mindful of the rules and regulations guiding the ‘ezeship’ stool which they now occupy.

Ikpeazu further challenged them to be responsive and ensure that peace and tranquillity reign supreme in their communities, emphasizing that they must be fair to their people and unite their people by ensuring that they do not factionalize traditional rulership.

READ ALSO Kidnapped Rivers Utd Boss Stanley Eguma Regains Freedom

The Governor who also enjoined the traditional rulers to always make themselves available and ensure there is no breakdown of law and order said the era of picking staff of office and disappearing is over. The Governor congratulated the Ezes on their formal recognition.

Responding on behalf of his colleagues, the traditional ruler of Mgboko-Itungwa autonomous community, Obingwa LGA, Eze Chibuzo Ngwakwe thanked Governor Okezie Ikpeazu for finding them fit for the position of traditional rulers.

He pledged their commitment towards fulfilling all that is expected of them as traditional rulers in Abia State and ensure that peace and tranquillity prevail in their domains.