Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, has canvassed  the constitutional formalisation of the roles of traditional rulers to strengthen the institution for the diverse responsibilities before it.

He said the agitation by traditional rulers for constitutional recognition is not a privilege but that of clarity for the role they are already playing for the stability of the communities and the nation at large.

The governor spoke in Lagos on Monday while presenting the keynote address at the meeting of the National Council of Traditional Rulers in Nigeria ( NCTRN).

He noted that the theme of the meeting: THE TRADITIONAL INSTITUTION: THE IMPERATIVE OF ITS INCLUSION IN EFFECTIVE AND EFFICIENT GOVERNANCE IN NIGERIA, was not only  appropriate, timely and necessary, but reflects the reality that “traditional rulers across the country continue to carry out responsibilities that are essential to the stability, cohesion, and governance of our communities ”

Uzodimma said that such responsibilities, which are largely formal but acknowledged, should now have a legal backing in the constitution.

According to him, the absence of a constitutional role for traditional rulers  is a gap that ought to be filled,  saying it was a failure that should be immediately rectified.

Said he ‘ I believe the time has come to make it right, and not necessarily by creating a new role but by giving legal status to what already exists ”

Uzodimma described the traditional institution as very unique in the architecture of power, attracting the best of the nation from politics, law, the military, and the academia.

He noted that given the enormous responsibility of the traditional rulers in peace mediation, conflict resolution, and custodians of tradition and culture, they out to be more respected through a constitutional role.

But he urged them to remain non-partisan to preserve their integrity, especially when it comes to politics.

Tracing their previous roles in the First Republic and comparing them to what currently obtains in some African countries, the Imo State Governor,  totally supported their push for a more defined role in the constitution.

” I assure you that if this matter comes before the National Assembly or requires support at any level in government,  I will stand with you without hesitation,” he submitted.

He commended them for turning out in ther large numbers from different parts of the country,for the meeting,,declaring that the institution they represent ‘ is alive,strong and ready to lead where it must”.

Governor Hope Uzodimma has said that Imo State currently under his watch will soon experience a security arrangement that the citizens would be proud of.

According to him, he is more determined now to protect the State from the activities of bandits and those behind other forms of criminality that have slowed down the pace of development in Imo.

Governor Uzodimma gave the assurance weekend while addressing All Progressives Congress leaders of the State across sectors, including government officials at the National, State and Local Government levels at the Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu International Convention Centre, Owerri.

He said with the Federal Government putting finishing touches to the issue of State Police, and his administration’s intentional efforts to activate the Imo Community Vigilance Services, he will do everything within his behest to secure Imo State and her citizens.

“I am prepared for the State Police whenever the law is passed. We are currently addressing the needs of our Community Vigilance Services. So, I am prepared, ready now to secure Imo State,” he said and urged the leaders to cooperate fully with him to realise the security programme.

Governor Uzodimma used the opportunity to brief the leaders on virtually all the sectors his administration has impacted so much on the people, including timelines set to achieve optimum goals in the interest of the citizens.

For instance, the Governor highlighted the milestone the State intends to achieve in  healthcare with the ongoing Health Insurance Scheme, the ongoing rehabilitation of primary and secondary schools (including the ones belonging to the Churches), mechanised agriculture for food security, ongoing electrification of the 27 Local Government Areas of Imo State under the Light Up Imo Project, ongoing construction of bus terminals across the state to energise mass transit system and ease transportation for the people, and the construction of a 12- storey Imo Revenue House, among others.

The Governor who urged the people to agree that Imo is bigger than any individual and therefore should exist, called on them to own all life changing projects his administration has put in place in Imo by also joining hands with the government to secure them.

On politics, Governor Uzodimma told the leaders to think more of how to stabilise Imo politically, rather than unnecessarily heating up the polity and vilifying his person on unfounded information over the State’s resources.

Said the Governor: “I can account any kobo that belongs to Imo State. Under my watch no kobo is missing. I micro manage the finances. For those who are busy spreading unfounded rumour about money we spent on federal roads, the Federal Government has not refunded me a kobo. In any case, what is important is that the roads were constructed for the use of our people. If the Federal Government refunds the money to whoever comes after me, so be it. What is not completed during my time will be completed after my tenure. For me, I am looking for what I will leave behind as legacy.”

The Governor advised the leaders to take seriously the issue of ongoing e-registration of new members of the APC, and equally get prepared for the forthcoming Ward, Local Government, State and Zonal Congresses any moment from next month before the National Convention next year.

He also addressed the issue of APC members’ effective participation in the affairs of the Party as earlier raised by the Chairman of the APC in Imo State, Sir MacDonald Ebere, saying, “leaders must help the Party. You must not physically come to Owerri to help the Party.”

The Governor specifically urged the National Assembly members to work harder and collaboratively to ensure that Imo people feel the impact of their representation.

Governor Uzodimma also did not leave any one in doubt during his remarks that the person who will take over from him after his eight years will be a product of collective discussion. “My succession plan will be discussed collectively here,” he said and harped on the need to encourage new generation of politicians.

He concluded his remarks by saying that

“by December this year, the ongoing advert,  “Imo is on the rise” would have changed to “Imo has risen.”

Earlier in his opening remarks, Sir Ebere reeled out all the good things the Governor has done and still doing to reposition Imo as a leading State in Nigeria, and urged APC members to be alive to their responsibility to the Party and the government.

He urged members, particularly elected and appointed members of APC to show more financial commitment to the Party wherever they may find themselves.

Speaker after speaker lauded Governor Uzodimma for his examplary leadership that has drastically changed the Imo State narrative and brought respect to the citizens.

They encouraged the Governor to sustain the tempo of his people-oriented programmes and projects with the hope that posterity will be kind to him.