Enugu Govt Presents Staff of Office to Amankpaka Monarch, Urges Transparent Leadership
By Emeka Nebeife
The Enugu State Government has presented a staff of office to the traditional ruler of Amankpaka Autonomous Community in Enugu East Local Government Area, Igwe Ikechukwu Edeh, formally recognising him as the community’s monarch.
Performing the ceremony on behalf of Governor Peter Mbah, the Commissioner for Chieftaincy Affairs, Dr Charles Egumgbe, charged the new traditional ruler to embrace transparent and inclusive leadership that would foster peace and sustainable development in his domain.
The presentation, which took place at the Ministry’s Conference Hall, New Secretariat Complex, Enugu, drew government officials, community leaders and well-wishers.
Egumgbe described the staff of office as a symbol of authority and legitimacy, urging the monarch to use his exalted position to unite his people and promote harmonious coexistence.
He said, “Your Royal Majesty, this staff of office is not only a symbol of authority but also a call to service. You are expected to leave a legacy of transparent leadership that will enthrone a pervasive atmosphere of peace and accelerate development in Amankpaka community.”
The commissioner reiterated the state government’s commitment to strengthening traditional institutions, noting that they remain critical partners in grassroots governance and conflict resolution.
In his acceptance speech, Igwe Edeh expressed profound gratitude to the governor and the people of Enugu State for the honour bestowed on him. He pledged to entrench peace, progress and good governance in Amankpaka, aligning his leadership with the developmental strides of the present administration.
“I am deeply honoured by this recognition. I assure the government and the good people of Amankpaka that my reign will be anchored on peace, unity and progress. We shall work collectively to advance the welfare of our people,” he said.
Also speaking, the President General of Amankpaka Nike Autonomous Community, Chief Obinna Onu, commended Governor Mbah for approving the recognition of the community’s traditional institution, describing it as the fulfillment of a long-cherished aspiration.
He affirmed the community’s readiness to support the governor’s administration, adding that his leadership had transformed the political landscape of the state and ensured that autonomous communities enjoy the dividends of democracy.
“We are indeed ready to enjoy luminous grace. The governor has changed the political philosophy of Ndi-Enugu and stabilized the polity. We will continue to give him maximum support,” Onu stated.
The event was witnessed by top officials of the Ministry of Chieftaincy Affairs, including the Director of Administration, Mr Ezea Robinson; Deputy Director, Planning, Research and Statistics, Mr Eddy Onyishi; Legal Adviser to the Ministry, Barr Esther Ani; and Head of Department of Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr Alex Ngene,among others.
The ceremony marked a significant milestone for the Amankpaka Autonomous Community, as stakeholders expressed optimism that the new traditional ruler would consolidate peace and drive development at the grassroots.
EDITOR
Sam Udekwe is a journalist working in the News and Current Affairs department, Enugu State Broadcasting Service (ESBS) Enugu. He is well trained in all genres of journalistic venture.
Mr Sam read Mass Communication, graduating all with Distinction in National Diploma, Higher National Diploma and Postgraduate Diploma at IMT, Enugu and Madonna University, Okija, Anambra state, as well as M.Sc Mass Communication with Second Class(Upper Division) at National Open University of Nigeria.
He is the immediate past NUJ Chairman, Enugu state.
samowailo@gmail.com
