NEWS
South-East Traditional Rulers Reaffirm Rotation Of Leadership To Abia, Seek Nnamdi Kanu’s Release
South-East Traditional Rulers Reaffirm Rotation Of Leadership To Abia, Seek Nnamdi Kanu’s Release
The Leadership of the South-East Traditional Rulers Council (SETRC) has reaffirmed its position that the leadership of the council should rotate to Abia State, with HRM Eze Sir Dr Linus Nto Mba to assume the position in line with the council’s constitution.
The traditional rulers also reiterated their support for the rotational arrangement of the Southern Traditional Rulers Council, insisting that its chairmanship should rotate among the South-East, South-West and South-South geopolitical zones rather than remain permanently in any one zone.
These resolutions were contained in a communiqué issued after the South-East Quarterly Delegates Meeting of the council, held on Friday, October 23, 2026, at the Parliament of Ndi Eze, Owerri, Imo State.
According to the communiqué, the meeting was attended by delegates from the five South-East states, who deliberated on issues affecting the region and reached resolutions on traditional leadership, electoral participation and other matters of regional concern.
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 reaffirmed its support for the decision of the Southern Governors Forum, reached in Ogun State in 2025, on the establishment of the Southern Traditional Rulers Council and the rotation of its leadership among the three southern geopolitical zones for a two-year tenure.
Channel
It consequently rejected any arrangement that would grant permanent chairmanship of the body to a particular zone.
The council also called for the reconstitution of the current leadership of the Southern Traditional Rulers Council to reflect the recognised traditional rulers of member states, in line with the leadership template of the Southern Governors Forum.
On the forthcoming national elections, the South-East traditional rulers expressed concern that the scheduled election dates, including January 16 and February 6, would be unfavourable to the region.
They, however, urged the people of the South-East to make the necessary sacrifices by returning to their respective registration areas to participate in the elections in large numbers.
The council further appealed to traditional rulers and community leaders across the region to suspend festivals and ceremonies from January 10, 2026, until the conclusion of the elections, to enable eligible voters to participate fully in the electoral process.
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. It therefore renewed its call for his unconditional release.
The traditional rulers also expressed appreciation to the Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, for hosting the council’s quarterly meeting in Owerri.
They equally thanked the chairman and members of the Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers, as well as the people of Imo State, for their hospitality and warm reception.
The council further acknowledged the support and encouragement it had received from governors of the South-East states.
The communiqué was issued by the Leadership of the South-East Traditional Rulers Council, whose office is located at JAAC House, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ogurube Layout, Umuahia, Abia State.
Signed
HRM Eze Dr. Linus Nto Mbah, Chairman South East Traditional Rulers Council & Chairman Abia Council of Traditional Rulers
HRM Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, Obi of Onitsha.
HRM Dr. E.C Okeke CFR, (Eze Imo) Chairman Imo Council of Traditional Rulers
HRM Igwe Samuel Asadu, Chairman Enugu Council of Traditional Rulers
HRM Charles MkpumaCFR, Chairman Ebonyi State Council of Traditional Rulers
HRM Igwe Chidubem Iweka , Chairman Anambra State Council
HRM Igwe Ambassador Dr. Lawrence AgupuzyOON , CFR Coordinator SETRC.
Related
DO YOU WANT TO WHISTLEBLOW, REPORT FRAUD, THEFT OR INJUSTICE OR INTIMIDATION? SEND US YOUR STORY/REPORT TO NEWSDESK@MEDIATODAY.NG
