From Nwogha Ndubuisi, Abakaliki
Ebonyi state governor, Francis Nwifuru has called on traditional rulers to brace up to their responsibilities as custodian of people’s culture and tradition while they shun partisan politics.
Governor Nwifuru gave the advise at Ekpelu,the ancestral home of Ikwo Noyo clan during the Nnefioha festival.
The Nnefioha which is an annual festival that ushers in the eating of new yam in Ikwo Noyo was honored by sons and daughters of Ikwo clan both home and in diaspora.
Speaking, the executive governor, Francis Nwifuru who is also an In-law to Ikwo Noyo,thanked the people of Ikwo for voting him en mass during the 2023 general elections despite unfounded rumor against him that he contributed to the crisis that erupted between Enyibichiri in Ikwo and Enyigba in Abakaliki local government area of the state.
He described traditional institution as a reverend institution that should be devoid of politics with the responsibility to maintain orderliness and promotion of culture of the people.
He enjoined traditional rulers to receive members of any political party that may come to pay courtesy visit in their palace as they are the father of all political Parties.
Nwifuru while expressing joy over the peaceful disposition exhibited by stakeholders of the area and explained that when he was coming to marry from the area never knew he would one day become a governor and appreciated Ikwo people for their support.
Earlier, the chairman of Ikwo Local Government Area,Sunday Nwankwo applauded the giant strides of governor Nwifuru in the state and emphasized that Nnefioha festival is used to mark Ikwo traditional calendar year which is also a prelude to the New Yam festival(Eke-Nwanekwa).
The Council Chairman said that Ikwo people are grateful to Almighty God for the unity, peace and progress recorded over the years.
Aljazirah Nigeria reports that the celebration witnessed good will messages from the former governor of the state, Chief Martin Elechi, the Speaker, Ebonyi state House of Assembly,Moses Ije-Odunwa, national assembly member representing Ikwo/Ezza federal constituency, Comrade Chinedu Ogah, Ikwo Development Union President, Dr Nte Egwu,business mogul, Chief Christian Asaga Nwali, among others who commended governor Nwifuru for his giant strides in the state and his love for Ikwo people.
