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Abia Takes Helm As S/East Monarchs Insist On Rotation, Seek Kani’s Release
Abia Takes Helm As S/East Monarchs Insist On Rotation, Seek Kani’s Release
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OWERRI — South-East Traditional Rulers Council (SETRC) has reaffirmed that leadership of council should rotate to Abia State, with Eze Sir Dr Linus Nto Mbah to assume position in line with council’s constitution.
The traditional rulers also reiterated support for rotational arrangement of Southern Traditional Rulers Council, insisting chairmanship should rotate among South-East, South-West and South-South zones rather than remain permanently in any one zone.
The resolutions are contained in a communique issued after the South-East Quarterly Delegates Meeting held on Friday, October 23, 2026, at Parliament of Ndi Eze, Owerri, Imo State.
The meeting was attended by delegates from five South-East states, who deliberated on issues affecting region.
The Council reaffirmed their support for the decision of the Southern Governors Forum reached in Ogun State in 2025 on establishment of Southern Traditional Rulers Council and rotation of leadership among three southern zones for two-year tenure. It consequently rejected any arrangement that would grant permanent chairmanship to particular zone.
It called for the reconstitution of the current leadership of Southern Traditional Rulers Council to reflect recognised traditional rulers of member states, in line with template of Southern Governors Forum.
On the forthcoming elections, the traditional rulers expressed concern that the scheduled dates, including January 16 and February 6, would be unfavourable to the region. They however urged the people of South-East to make necessary sacrifices by returning to their respective registration areas to participate in large numbers.
Every second brings Nigerians closer to exercising their democratic right and shaping the future of our nation.
Exercise your democratic right responsibly, peacefully and lawfully.
The Council appealed to the traditional rulers and community leaders to suspend festivals and ceremonies from January 10, 2026, until the conclusion of elections to enable voters participate fully.
On the continued detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the council expressed concern that previous appeals to the Federal Government for his release had not yielded the desired outcome and renewed call for his unconditional release.
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The Traditional rulers expressed appreciation to Imo Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, for hosting quarterly meeting in Owerri, thanked chairman and members of Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers and people of Imo for hospitality, and acknowledged support from South-East governors.
The Communique was signed by HRM Eze Dr. Linus Nto Mbah, Chairman SETRC and Chairman Abia Council; HRM Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, Obi of Onitsha; HRM Dr. E.C Okeke CFR (Eze Imo), Chairman Imo Council; HRM Igwe Samuel Asadu, Chairman Enugu Council; HRM Charles Mkpuma CFR, Chairman Ebonyi Council; HRM Igwe Chidubem Iweka, Chairman Anambra Council; and HRM Igwe Ambassador Dr. Lawrence Agubuzu OON, CFR, Coordinator SETRC.
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