Tinubu conferred with title of Omeziri Igbo 1 by Abia state council of traditional rulers

The Abia state Council of Traditional Rulers on Friday conferred the traditional title of Omeziri Igbo 1, on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Also, the vice-president, Kashim Shettima, was conferred with the traditional title of Enyoima Ndi Igbo 1.

The chairman of the Abia Council of Traditional Rulers, Eze Linus Nto Mba, conferred the titles on the duo at the thanksgiving, home-coming and unveiling of the Peace In The South East Project (PISE-P), in Bende local government area of the state.

The event was organised by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Benjamin Kalu, as part of his efforts to restore peace in the South-east.

The traditional ruler explained the confirmation of the titles to the duo in recognition of their contributions to national integration, unity, and peace building in the country.

“We the entire traditional rulers in Abia state by the virtues of the powers conferred on us by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Igbo Natives laws and customs here by conferred on your Excellency the Vice President Kashim Shettima the high title of Enyoima Ndi Igbo 1.

“This is in recognition of your outstanding performance as the vice president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria within the short period you have been in the office given under our heads this Friday, December 29.”

Responding, Shettima reiterated the commitment of President Tinubu’s administration to work with all stakeholders to restore peace in the South-east.

“We are here because we have been given the mandate to guarantee the security of your lives and prosperity,” he said.

The chairman of the South East Governor’s Forum, Hope Uzodinma of Imo state, thanked the Abia traditional rulers for honouring the leadership of the country with “such a prestigious title.”

He said, “On behalf of the Abia state government all of us here are in solidarity to encourage us with the recognition given to the president and the vice-president.

“Our vice-president has shown sufficient goodwill to the people of the South-east. From this part of the country we will continue to work with the rest of Nigeria to make the country a prosperous nation for the interest of all of us for service to God and humanity.”

Also, Governor Alex Otti of Abia state said, “We, the people of the South-east, hereby declare that peace is what we stand for as a region.

“We declare peace and prosperity, we declare peace for progress, and we stand for peace in the south east as a catalyst that will drive growth in all sectors of the economy.

“And rekindle the confidence of future generations; we declare that peace is better,” he said.

Dignitaries present at the event included the Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas.

Others were the national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje; Sen. Osita Izunaso; Kano state APC governorship candidate, Alhaji Nasiru Gawuna, and a former Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development, Chief Henry Ikon.

Also present were His Royal Highness, the Obi of Onitsha, Nnaemeka Achebe; His Royal Highness, Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi; Sen. Rochas Okorocha; former Minister of Labour and Productivity, Chief Emeka Wogu. (NAN)