Traditional Ruler of Obinolu Autonomous Community in Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State and Commissioner in Abia State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (ASOPADEC), Eze Luke Uche, in this interview with Special Correspondent, ONWUKWE EZERU, speaks on the proliferation of autonomous communities in Igboland, the menace of Fulani herdsmen in the state and the development strides of the state government.
Proliferation of autonomous communities in the South East
One thing is to give a staff of office and another thing is giving it to the right person. Most traditional rulers live outside their kingdoms. During the late Sam Mbakwe administration in the old Imo State, the creation of autonomous communities was not bastardised as it is now. In those days, before an autonomous community could be created, such community must have primary and secondary schools, hospital, post office, church, standard market and above all population not less than 150,000. But today, all these antecedents are no longer put into consideration. For an Eze to be appointed then, you must be residing in your domain and must be a man of proven character. This is unlike now when autonomous communities are created anyhow and staff of office given to anybody in the name of an Eze. How can a traditional ruler administer his kingdom while living in America and London, Abuja and other towns outside his state? In this situation, such traditional rulers would not know what is happening in their autonomous communities.
In my own case, I am living in Abia Sate and have never slept outside my home on a weekend since 1971. This my behaviour made my people to select me as their Eze. Since I became the traditional ruler, I had been with my people and they are with me. I make bold to say that no youth smokes Indian hemp in Obinolu. Nobody carries gun around in my area and the youth are on my side. Though I work in Umuahia, it has in no way affected my function as a traditional ruler.
The only problem I have in my autonomous community is the Fulani herdsmen who have turned to armed robbers. Recently, the youths combed the forest and got many of them with stolen property of their host communities. The government should relocate them because our farmlands and cash crops have been destroyed. Just like the Yoruba said the other day, the activities of herdsmen and cattle may cause problem that may lead to the division of Nigeria. Government should intervene before it is too late.
Call on government to stop creating new autonomous communities
Yes, the government should stop creating new autonomous communities. Even some existing autonomous communities are not meeting up. How can an area be autonomous, yet the people attend schools, markets and hospitals in other communities?
Perception on the new Abia government
The new governor of Abia State has started well, and Nigerians and Abians have witnessed his good works. In Aba, roads are being rehabilitated. Owerri-Aba Road that was characterised by traffic snarl is now free. Once the jobs in Aba are achieved, Abia will be good. Aba has been the problem of Abia and we are happy that God gave Governor Okezie Ikpeazu to us. With what he is doing in Aba and other areas in Abia, the lost glory of the state will be restored.
In Umunneochi, the erosion menace that looked like an earthquake is being attended to by the state government. The erosion in Obinolu is like that of Nkpa in Bende Local Government Area. Governor Ikpeazu came himself to see the erosion site, and after his visit, work started. He is on rescue mission in Abia. We advise that he should not be distracted, so that he could do more work in the state.
Obinolu community and youth restiveness
In my autonomous community, there is relative peace because I live with them. Obinolu is the largest autonomous community in Abia North having boundaries with many states, yet no problem. The only problem we have is the Fulani herdsmen whose cows have destroyed our land and cash crops. Apart from the destruction of land and crops, many of them have turned to armed robbers.
The government should trace a route for these cattle. Our land is not good for them to graze. All economic trees have been destroyed by cattle. Government should intervene before the communities clash with them one day.
ASOPADEC and service delivery
The Abia State Oil Producing Area Development Commission was established to cater for the rural areas, especially the catchment oil-producing communities. Since its creation, Abians have seen that the commission has achieved much.
It has trained and empowered youths, rehabilitated primary and secondary schools, graded roads, supplied transformers and electricity to communities. The latest was the commissioning of electricity at Ikwuano, two weeks ago. Governor Ikpeazu came for the commissioning and was happy. Markets have been built in many communities, including the one in Afara Ukwu in Ibeku. The commission operates on interventionist basis. We have tried. Our problem is money, as the oil revenue is dwindling. In all, the commission has done well under the leadership of Emeka Stanley.
Saving Igbo language and tradition from extinction
The government of the South East states and parents are partly responsible. Government should make Igbo language a compulsory subject in schools. Parents should also learn how to interact with their children in Igbo language. Using English to interact with children should stop. The Yoruba and Hausa use their language very well, unlike the Igbo.
Victory for Ikpeazu and Theodore Orji at the tribunals
What do I have to say other than thanking God? God endorsed their victory and the election petition tribunal affirmed it. I am happy because Ikpeazu started with the foundation laid by Senator Theodore Orji. I believe he would do better. Though I am a traditional ruler who is not partisan, I should support the government in power.