Read below the press statement released by Sam Onwuemeodo, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Rochas Okorocha.
Governor Rochas Okorocha has banned traditional rulers in the State from speaking English at functions and in conducting affairs at their palaces and directed that they must talk in Igbo at functions and Conduct activities in their palaces in Igbo, adding that they Could employ the services of interpreters if the need arises.
Governor Okorocha gave the directive while handing over letters of recognition and staff of office to Nineteen (19) newly recognized traditional rulers in the State, adding that Igbo language must not be allowed to die as been predicted in some quarters.
The governor also told the traditional rulers in the State to be agents of peace, progress, and prosperity in their respective domain instead of being tools of disunity and destabilization, warning that any traditional ruler who could not show genuine leadership in his autonomous Community stands the risk of having his Certificate of Recognition and Staff of Office withdrawn.
His words “Today, history is made that light has come and darkness would not comprehend at all. The truth has surfaced and the right people have finally become the Custodian of the traditional right of their people. You are not permitted to speak English at functions. This will help keep our Culture and Igbo language alive”.
He continued “For many years now, most of you have been looking for a day like this. Some of you were victims of injustice and never believed that this could be possible and most of you have been waiting without knowing your fate. But today, it is a manifest of truth that your people have chosen you, and the government of Imo State has approved”.
He further stated “I took the bold step of reconciling people, took the step to ensure that truth came to be and voided the rancour that has existed in our various communities over ezeship title. This has equally affected the Community Government Council (CGC) negatively because every community requires an Eze to function effectively as the head of the Community Government Council.
Today, that responsibility has fallen on you, I urge you not to fail as failure is not an option. I encourage you to
