The Minority leader of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu has said that the traditional institutions in Nigeria needed to be supported towards playing the role of enhancing traditional values in the society.
Elumelu spoke with Journalists on Thursday, December 28, 2021, at Issele-Uku, Aniocha North Local Government Area, Delta State, during the installation of a former Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party in the area, Chief Victor Egbune as the Inegwe of Issele-Uku Kingdom.
The Minority leader said that he was in support of any government in power to help traditional Institutions re-direct and re-channel their efforts and roles towards utilizing those aspects of the tradition and culture of the people that promotes morals, into good and effective use, saying that currently, those aspects are not being used effectively.
Elumelu said that before now, the traditional institutions were in charge of communities where ample opportunities were given to them to vent and monitor those who come into their domain, pointing out that the fact that such roles are not being given, or promoted, it has eroded the society, hence, the insecurity that pervades the general public.
“I am of the opinion that the traditional institutions should be given back these roles and I believe that they will perform better.
“Again, those days when we were growing up, when somebody comes into a community, the traditional head of that community will send a message to that family that is receiving such visitors to ascertain who has entered their community.
“In so doing, you are able to track down those who visit you, track down the activities of those in your communities and be able to redirect how anybody that comes into your community should behave. That is not happening now and I am of the view that we should go back to those days,” the Minority leader posited.
Continuing, the Federal lawmaker noted that such application of cherished traditional values has multiplying effects.
“It also affects what we bring out from our farms, because when you have security of life and property in our domains, the tendency is that our farmers will be able to go to farm and be able to bring out their finished farm produce which will, of course, feed all of us.
“We are in short of such today and I am worried that in 2022 and beyond, we may not be able to see farmers that can confidently go into their farm and be able to put anything on ground, not to talk about harvesting them,” he lamented and noted that insecurity, occasioned by not giving the traditional institution the opportunity to secure their domain remains part of the reason for the breeding of criminal elements in the society.
However, the Minority leader commended the constitution of vigilante groups and said that such local security outfits should be encouraged to work with the traditional institutions with a view to achieving their set goals and objectives.
“Vigilante groups are meant to work with the traditional Institutions, because theyThe courage to say yes, the traditional institution needs to be supported to enhance our cultural value,” Elumelu stated.
Elumelu who represents Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives commended the traditional Ruler of Issele-Uku, His Royal Majesty, Agbogidi Obi Nduka, Obi of Issele-Uku Kingdom, for finding Chief Victor Egbune worthy to be honoured with the traditional Chieftaincy title of Inegwe.
He described the former PDP Chairman of the Aniocha North as a dogged politician, who has been committed in no small measure in the development of Issele-Uku Community and the Local Government area in general, saying that he believes that the honour bestowed on him by the revered traditional ruler will no doubt spur Chief Egbuna to do more for his community and humanity in general.
Speaking of the significance of the Inegwe Chieftaincy, the new Inegwe of Issele-Uku Kingdom, Chief Victor Egbune, explained that the holder of the title functions as the minister of internal affairs in the palace and that the traditional chieftain acts as the head of the entire palace Chiefs and in charge of internal matters within the palace.
Chief Egbune who is a member of the Delta State Unban Water Board, said that according to what he was told by the traditional ruler of Issele-Uku, his conferment as the Inegwe of Issele-Uku Kingdom was based on his invaluable contributions to the development of the Palace and the community.
While appreciating the Agbogidi Obi Nduka, and the people of the Community for the honour done him, Chief Egbune noted that the honour remains another opportunity given to him by the Obi, to enable him to do more for the Palace and the Issele-Uku community.
Among dignitaries at the colourful event was the former Deputy Governor of Delta State, Chief Benjamin Elue, the member representing Aniocha North State Constituency in the State House of Assembly, Hon. Engr. Emeka Nwaobi, the Chairman of the State Civil Service Commission and a renowned Political Leader in the State, Chief Nkem Okwuofu, Chairman of the State Waste Management Board, Chief Emma Chinye, former Chairman of the State House of Assembly Service Commission and a member of the State Elders Advisory Council, Chief Ada Kachikwu, the Executive Assistant to the State Governor on legal Matter, Chief Barr. Kress Njeokwuemeni and the Executive Assistant to the Governor on Political Matters, Chief Emma Eboh.
Others included the Executive Chairman of Aniocha North Local Government, Hon. Kevin Okwechime, the leader of the legislative Arm of the Local Government, Hon. Nwike Okwonkwo, Some PDP Local Government Area Chairmen that included; Chief Felix Ogwude of Oshimili North as well as Senior Special Assistant to the State Governor on Political Matters, Olorogun Austin Agigi, and an accomplished businessman and Politician, Engr. Fidel Onwodi was also among dignitaries that graced the occasion.
