Umuahia North royal fathers Friday, kicked off new yam celebration as stakeholders caution politicians to ensure peaceful campaign.
In his welcome address, the Chairman, Umuahia North Council of Traditional Rulers, HRM Eze John Ibezim described the occasion as a way of thanking God for a bountiful harvest this year, adding that the celebration is devoid of fetish practices.
He used the occasion to advised politicians to maintain decorum and follow rules of political engagement as they campaign ahead of 2023 general elections in the country.
In his opening address, the chairman of the occasion and the General Manager of Abia State Estates Development Agency, ABSEDA Okechukwu Ndukwe called for the sustenance of the cultural event.
Represented by Chucks Ukaegbu, Ndukwe expressed his delight over the event and called for quarterly gathering of the component clans of Ibeku and Ohuhu for the development of the area.
Also speaking, the host and chairman, Umuahia North LGA, Hon. Ugochukwu Njikonye assured that by next year edition indigenous farmers yam will be used for the occasion.
He advised the traditional rulers to caution their subjects on peaceful conduct during the campaign period and also “give useful advice to politicians and their followers”, assuring his intention to make the LGA a model peaceful one during the campaigns for others to emulate.
Fielding questions froom newsmen later, the traditional ruler of Ekeoba, Eze Iheanyi Nwokenna assured that the occasion was only to thank God for bountiful harvest.
He noted that traditional ruler cannot be ruled out from politics but must remain non-partisan and not card-carrying members of any political party.
Also speaking, an illustrious son of the LGA who spoke after receiving his certificate of traditional title, “Kpakpando” (Star) High Chief Victor Ikeji described the occasion as a way of thanking God for His mercies.
He described his certificate of traditional title as a “symbolic gesture” of the award given to him last year.
As political activities gather momentum, he noted “Abia, Umuahia needs transformation through the party that is making waves now”.
The event featured traditional dances and masquerades.
