The candidate of the Action Alliance (AA) in the November 2023 governorship election in Imo State, Maj.-Gen. Lincoln Ogunewe (rtd) has pledged to partner traditional institutions in fighting insecurity if elected.
A release signed by his media adviser, Mrs Nwamma Ogidi, and made available to newsmen in Owerri yesterday said Ogunewe made the pledge while speaking at the inauguration of Mbaise people in Connecticut.
He described traditional rulers as fearless and fair in their advisory and other roles and said that they would be of immense benefit in the fight against insecurity if properly carried along.
Ogunewe decried what he described as the waning respect for traditional institutions, which he said has resulted in worsening insecurity as the traditional rulers, who are custodians of rural security, have been displaced.
“Growing up, I saw that our traditional rulers were accorded deep respect as royal fathers and were neither abused nor harassed by anyone or any institution.
“Thus, they maintained their fatherly, dignified, reputable, honourable and unbiased position in an advisory capacity to all parties, fearless and fair in relating their advice and recommendations to individuals, communities, and government as the case may be.
“Unfortunately, the respect accorded to Ndi Eze (traditional rulers) has waned over time because of the actions of ill-willed politicians in government so that they now live in a palpable fear of harassment or removal once their advice contradicts government opinion. This is very disheartening,” he said.
He promised that if elected, he would support communities in the maintenance of traditional institutions while not interfering with the process of the election of Ndi Eze.
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