Stanley Uzoaru, Owerri
Former Imo State chairman of Traditional rulers council and traditional ruler of Obinugwu community, Dr. Cletus Ilomuanya, has been unanimously elected Chairman of Igbo Traditional Rulers Forum (ITRF).
The Forum is the main umbrella association of all recognised traditional rulers in Igbo speaking states in Nigeria.
His election was sequel to a resolution endorsed by the trustees of the Forum made up of eminent Traditional rulers in Igbo land.
The trustees stressed that the choice of Eze Ilomuanaya was in recognition of his sterling leadership qualities, dynamism, charisma and the honour he had brought to the traditional institution in Nigeria.
Addressing journalists, in Owerri, at the end of the meeting of the trustees of Igbo Traditional Rulers Forum, Eze Ilomuanya,who is also the Chancellor of the Federal University , Birnin Kebbiers assured that he will strive and ensure that the dignity of the traditional institution in Igbo land is not compromised.
He added that the Igbo traditional institution is a symbol of identity for the Igbo, pointing out that Igbo culture, norms and values remain sacrosanct.
Speaking on the insecurity challenges in the country, Ilomuanya pleaded with Nigerians to support President Muhammadu Buhari’s determination to make Nigeria a safe haven of peace for everybody to live in.
He argued that security should be everybody’s concern and must not be left for the government alone. “Mr. President appreciates the enormity of the security challenges facing our nation and therefore, needs everybody’s support. Collectively, we can eradicate Boko Haram and other security worries. We should not wait for government at all levels alone to do this” he posited.
Ilomuanya also appealed to Nigerians to participate actively in next year’s general elections, noting that the possession of Permanent Voters Card (PVC) is a compulsory requirement from any patriotic Nigerian of voting age. He said he was pleased with assurances of free, fair and credible election atmosphere by the federal government. He maintained that such assurances are healthy for the growth of democracy in Nigeria.