Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has warned the newly sworn-in Chairmen of Local government councils, to shun imposition of traditional rulers in their domain.
Nwifuru issued the warning on Sunday in Abakaliki the capital city while swearing in 13 Council Chairmen, their deputies and members of Advisory Committees.
He emphasized that it was not the duty of Chairmen of Councils, to impose royal fathers but rather to issue staff of office to them.
“Stop playing politics with traditional rulers election, allow communities to elect their traditional rulers, that is what the law said.
“Take care of our traditional rulers, it is your responsibility to take care of them including the youths, women groups and elders”.
Speaking against the backdrop of the recent Supreme Court judgement, that granted financial autonomy to Local Governments, Nwifuru said that he was in support of the autonomy.
“I want to assure you that I am with you, my prayers are with you to succeed throughout your tenure.
“You have autonomy 100% both financial and otherwise, whatever decision you take as Chairman, you bear it”.
On the issue of projects execution, Nwifuru. admonished the Chairmen to be prudent and transparent in all their programmes and policies.
It would be recalled that Ebonyi State Independent Electoral Commission (EBSIEC), on 20th July 2024 conducted Chairmanship and Councillorship elections and subsequently declared the 13 Candidates of the All Progressive Congress (APC) as winners of the Chairmanship election.
