Maj. Gen. Lincoln Ogunewe (rtd), candidate of the Action Alliance (AA) in the November 2023 Imo governorship election, has committed to work with traditional institutions to combat insecurity if elected.
He praised traditional rulers as brave and fair in their consultative and other functions, and stated that if properly carried forward, they would be of enormous value in the fight against instability.
This was revealed by the governorship candidate in a press statement signed by his Media Adviser, Nwamma Ogidi, and made accessible to journalists in Owerri on Tuesday.
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He decried the “waning respect for traditional institutions “ which he said has resulted in worsening insecurity as the traditional rulers, who are custodians of rural security, have been displaced.
“Growing up, I saw that our traditional rulers were accorded deep respect as royal fathers and were neither abused nor harassed by anyone or any institution.
“Thus they maintained their fatherly, dignified, reputable, honourable and unbiased position in an advisory capacity to all parties, fearless and fair in relating their advice and recommendations to individuals, communities, and governments as the case may be.
“Unfortunately, the respect accorded to Ndi Eze (traditional rulers) has waned over time because of the actions of ill-willed politicians in government so that they now live in palpable fear of harassment or removal once their advice contradicts government opinion. This is very disheartening.“
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Ogunewe committed to assist communities in maintaining traditional institutions while not meddling with the election of Ndi Eze.
He stated that legislation will be passed to ensure that a procedure is followed in the suspension or removal of a traditional monarch, rather than an individual’s decision or government fiat.
This, he claims, will reestablish trust in established institutions and aid in the battle against insecurity, particularly at the grassroots level.
“Our government will partner with Ndi Eze to restore community values and reduce crime in our society. We will address leadership failure head-on. I stand for a greater, better Imo, today and always “, he said.
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