Governor Rochas Okorocha has banned Monarchs in Imo State from speaking the English language at public events and asking Monarchs who could not speak
Governor Rochas Okorocha has banned Monarchs in Imo State from speaking the English language at public events and asking Monarchs who could not speak the Igbo language to engage the services of interpreters. This he said is as a result of traditional rulers being custodians of the Igbo culture and must endeavour to promote the language.
According to the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Sam Onwuemeodo, Rochas Okorocha gave the directive on Monday while handing over letters of recognition to 19 traditional rulers in the state. The statement read in part,
“Today, the truth has surfaced and the right people have finally become the custodian of the traditional rights of their people.
“You are not permitted to speak English at functions. This will help to keep our culture and Igbo language alive. For many years now, most of you have been looking for a day like this. Some of you were victims of injustice and never believed that this could be possible and most of you have been waiting without knowing your fate. But today, it is a manifest of truth that your people have chosen you, and the government of Imo State has approved.
“I took the bold step of reconciling people, took the step to ensure that truth came to be and voided the rancour that has existed in our various communities over ‘eze-ship’ title. This has equally affected the Community Government Council negatively because every community requires an eze to function effectively as the head of the Community Government Council.
“Today, that responsibility has fallen on you, I urge you not to fail as failure is not an option. I encourage you to help the government in developing the resources of our land as posterity will only remember you for your positive contributions in the development of your community and not in how much wealth you amassed as an eze.”
Punch
