Why Are You Always Jittery Anytime You Are Called Upon To Give Account? — Charles Ogbonnaya To Gov. Otti
Warns Abia Royal Fathers To Refrain From Partisan Politics
…Defends Kalu for Demanding Accountability
A former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in Abia State, Chief Charles Ogbonnaya, has cautioned traditional rulers in the state to steer clear of partisan politics and focus on their cultural and traditional duties.
Speaking in Umuahia, Chief Ogbonnaya, who holds the traditional title of Evulogu Ibeku, was reacting to a recent statement credited to some Abia royal fathers, who had berated the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, for his criticism of the Alex Otti-led administration.
The monarchs had accused the Deputy Speaker of making inflammatory remarks capable of straining the relationship between Governor Otti and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
However, Chief Ogbonnaya faulted their position, describing it as a deviation from their sacred roles as custodians of culture. He stressed that traditional rulers should remain neutral and avoid aligning with any political group or government.
“As a former commissioner in charge of traditional rulers, I have always advised them to leave politics to politicians and concentrate on their cultural and traditional responsibilities,” he said.
Ogbonnaya argued that the warning issued to Rt. Hon. Kalu by the royal fathers was both insulting and an infringement on his constitutional right to free speech.
“What did the Deputy Speaker say that warrants such a warning from the council of traditional rulers?” he queried. “The governor holds in trust all revenue accruing to the state, and every citizen — including traditional rulers — has the right to know how these funds are managed.”
He maintained that Kalu’s remarks were simply a call for transparency and accountability, urging government media aides to acknowledge the contributions of the APC-led Federal Government to the state’s finances.
“When did it become a crime to ask for clarifications on government projects — whether they were executed as claimed, and at what cost?” he asked.
Chief Ogbonnaya criticized the traditional rulers for, in his words, “turning themselves into spokesmen for the governor,” saying such conduct degrades their royal status.
“By acting as the mouthpiece of the governor, they have belittled themselves. The economic hardship in the country may be forcing many people to compromise their values, but I didn’t expect our revered monarchs to descend to that level,” he stated.
He urged the traditional rulers to retrace their steps and maintain neutrality, warning that partisanship could diminish the respect and influence of the traditional institution.
Commending the Deputy Speaker for demanding accountability, Chief Ogbonnaya said:
“The money Governor Otti is spending is not his personal property. He should not be jittery anytime he is called upon to account for his stewardship.”
The former commissioner, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), added that there was nothing wrong in Governor Otti acknowledging President Tinubu and the Federal Government for the improved revenue allocations to the state.
