Otti calls for unity as traditional rulers converge on Abia

Otti reminded traditional rulers of their enduring responsibility to uphold justice and fairness in their communities, noting that unlike political offices, their roles are lifelong.

He stressed the importance of working together across political and traditional divides, noting that progress is best achieved through unity.

“If you want to go very fast, you go alone, but if you want to go far, you go together. The message is very clear — from now henceforth, we should all go together,” Governor Otti stated.

Addressing perceived disunity among political leaders, the governor dismissed claims of discord within the Southeast Governors’ Forum, explaining that differences in priorities are often shaped by varying local realities.

“Sometimes, people create in their imagination differences that don’t exist. We all work together, but what one State requires may differ from another. Comparing Governors is like comparing apples and oranges,” Governor Otti stated.

The governor highlighted his administration’s development approach, noting that interventions in Abia are guided by prevailing needs, including road infrastructure, healthcare delivery, and education.

In his welcome address, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Prince Uzor Nwachukwu, described the gathering as a convergence of “wisdom, tradition, and collective responsibility,” noting that traditional institutions remain vital to grassroots governance, peace, and development.

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He conveyed the goodwill of the state and highlighted key achievements of the administration, including massive infrastructural development, such as the reconstruction of Port Harcourt Road, revitalisation of over 200 primary healthcare centres, recruitment of nearly 10,000 teachers, and sweeping institutional reforms to promote transparency and accountability.

The Commissioner also outlined several grassroots-focused initiatives, including the Abia TechRise programme, youth empowerment schemes, agricultural training, solar-powered evening markets, and conflict resolution mechanisms.

He urged traditional rulers to deepen collaboration with the government in tackling insecurity, youth unemployment, and other regional challenges.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers, Eze Dr. Linus Nto Mbah, commended the State government for its developmental strides, particularly in security, infrastructure, healthcare, and education, as well as improved welfare for traditional rulers.

He, however, expressed concern over the erosion of cultural values and increasing communal conflicts, calling on traditional rulers to remain steadfast as custodians of culture and promoters of unity.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the South-South Monarchs Forum, Sergeant Chidi Awuse, emphasised the need for unity, cooperation, and support for constituted authorities.

He advocated stronger regional integration between the Southeast and South-South, noting that collective action would deliver greater results than isolated efforts, while urging traditional rulers to continue partnering with the government to sustain peace and development.

The meeting reaffirmed the critical role of traditional institutions in fostering peace, security, and development, with stakeholders calling for sustained collaboration between government and royal fathers to build resilient and prosperous communities.