President Bola Tinubu and Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State have extolled the leadership competence of the chairman of the Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers and chairman of the South East Council of Traditional Rulers, Eze Emmanuel Okeke, noting that the monarch is an asset to Nigeria and the state.
The president and the governor gave the verdict in separate remarks at the Eze Imo Palace at Mbari Close, Ikenegbu Layout Owerri, on the occasion of Eze Okeke’s 25th anniversary on the throne as the traditional ruler of Amaifeke Community in Orlu local government area of Imo State.
Represented by the minister of Works and former governor of Ebony State, Dave Umahi, Tinubu described Eze Okeke as an asset to Imo State in particular and the nation at large.
The president specifically commended Okeke for leading the Imo State traditional institution to collaborate with the Imo State government under Governor Uzodimma to fight crime and criminality in the state.
Senator Umahi noted that the president respects the South East region as a major stakeholder in his All Progressives Congress-led government; hence, the region is not left out of the massive infrastructural development across the nation.
He assured the people that more democratic dividends abound as “President Tinubu loves the South East region.”
He solicited the continuing support of the people for President Tinubu to foster greater development.
Governor Uzodimma also extolled Eze Okeke’s leadership capacity, describing him as a “man of courage, wisdom, and diplomacy.”
Governor Uzodimma said: “You have carried yourself with humility, integrity, embodying the finest traditional leadership. Under your wise council, Imo State and South East have continued to benefit immensely; and for this, we remain grateful.”
The chairman of the occasion and the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe, appreciated God for preserving Eze Okeke on the throne for these 25 years and prayed for God’s grace to enable him bear the onerous burden of the traditional rulership.
In his welcome address, Eze Okeke, who prayed for the president, lauded Tinubu for his love for Imo State and the South East, and assured him of the continuing support of the people and the traditional rulers under his watch.
He thanked the governor, the entire Imo citizens, and the South East for their outpouring of love on his silver jubilee on the throne.
The high point of the event was the cutting of his anniversary cake which was moderated by the Chief of Staff to the Governor of Imo State, Barr. Nnamdi Anyaehie.
The event had in attendance, the representative of the Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Oti, Prince Uzor Nwachukwu (Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs), Deputy Governor of Imo State, Lady Chinyere Ekomaru, the senior special assistant to the president on Communication and Community Engagement, Mrs. Chioma Nwaeze, and members of the Imo State Expanded Executive Council led by the Secretary to the Government of Imo State, Chief Cosmos Iwu.
Also in attendance were the local government chairmen and their councillors from Imo State, traditional rulers from the five states of South East Zone including HRM, Eze Dr. Okwudili Divine Nwandu, the Akaraka III of Ihitteafoukwu in Ahiazu Mbaise LGA of Imo State, among others.
