In this interview, the Eze Aro of Arochukwu Kingdom in Abia State, Eberechukwu Oji, speaks with BIODUN BUSARI on the security challenges plaguing the South-East, the recent Supreme Court ruling on local government autonomy, among other sundry issues
As the new traditional ruler of Arochukwu, what initiatives have you outlined to bring about change?
There are several and the first is to ensure that peace and unity exist in Arochukwu Kingdom. Security is also part of it because it’s very important. Beyond peace, we must ensure the security of lives and property.
This involves working with security agencies like the police, the army, local vigilance groups, and volunteers to achieve this.
By collaborating with committed security personnel, we are optimistic that cultism can be curbed, while criminals and their sponsors will be flushed out from the kingdom.
Another crucial initiative is job creation. We will make a conscious effort to steer our youths away from crime by creating employment opportunities through industrial cluster initiatives.
This will be achieved by partnering the government on critical infrastructure, such as roads, power, and gas supply in industrial parks.
We have no doubt this initiative will encourage our people, both locally and in the diaspora, to invest in the project and engage our youths.
In what ways are you helping the state and Federal Government tackle insecurity?
In Arochukwu, we have a team of dedicated young men and women who work with a vigilance group known as the Arochukwu Kingdom Neighbourhood Watch.
They work to complement the efforts of security agencies like the police, army, and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
The vigilance group was trained under strict police guidance and still receives periodic refresher briefings.
I must say they are doing very well and keeping to their prescribed mandate. Arochukwu has not recorded any serious security breaches.
Apart from this security-related initiative, are there others that will improve the lives of your people?
There are other programmes and one of them is the Digital Frontier. We plan to launch the Eze Aro Digital Transformation Agenda to secure our spot in the emerging global digital economy and ecosystem.
Our youths will be trained to leverage emerging technological frontiers such as Artificial Intelligence, the Internet of Things, Fintech, Big Data, Neural Networks, and more, to create our own ‘Arochukwu Valley’, reminiscent of Silicon Valley in the United States.
Food security is also key. While we prepare to meaningfully engage our youths, we are not losing sight of food security, which is basic for human survival.
To this end, we are refocusing our efforts on food security by developing our agricultural potential as a kingdom. We plan to modernise and mechanise agriculture by working with development agencies to improve farming practices and inputs.
Are there plans to come up with educational and healthcare programmes that will bolster the living conditions of your people?
We understand that education plays a pivotal role in the lives of our people. In collaboration with the government, we will raise the standard of education and literacy in Arochukwu. We are conscious of the fact that we can only achieve this by having qualified teachers work in a good teaching and learning environment. We plan to provide modern teaching aids, books, and computers, and build libraries in our schools.
Similarly, in healthcare, while we plan to provide sound education for our children, we haven’t lost sight of the importance of good health for our people. To that end, we intend to mobilise our doctors and other health professionals around the world to create what would be known as the ‘Arochukwu Medical Tourism Development Plan’, akin to Dubai Healthcare City.
Under my leadership, Arochukwu Kingdom will witness a massive urban development facelift. We will work with state and federal government agencies to focus on road infrastructure, electricity and potable water supply, and efficient waste management.
Are you concerned about the insecurity in the South-East, and what practical steps can bring an end to this menace?
I am deeply concerned but quite frankly, it is a challenge that no single individual can claim to have an off-the-cuff solution for. So far, security agencies deployed to tackle the menace are doing well.
However, they need the support and cooperation of everyone. We in Arochukwu kingdom have been doing that and will continue to do so. I believe that with commitment and collective determination, we will overcome the challenge, by the grace of God.
What is your take on the persistent calls for the release of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu?
I wholeheartedly join the call to release Nnamdi Kanu. I seize this opportunity to lend my voice to the concerted calls on His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu, for the release of our son Nnamdi Kanu from prolonged detention.
Do you think Kanu will drop the agitation for the sovereign state of Biafra if granted freedom?
I am inclined to believe that he will remain a responsible citizen of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. His release, as already ordered by the courts, is long overdue.
IPOB has said several times that some politicians in the South-East are sabotaging efforts to secure Kanu’s release. How true is this allegation?
I am not aware of such an allegation that bothers on sabotage. I am not also a politician. However, all I can say is that his release will signal long-lasting peace and justice in the country.
Kanu is your kinsman. Do you think releasing him will address insecurity in the South-East?
There is a strong belief among many people in the South-East that his release will assuage his supporters, whether IPOB members or not. I share that sentiment. Therefore, it is commonsensical that those who have been causing confusion in the South-East over his detention will repent and give peace a chance.
IPOB recently said that Igbo people want a referendum to exit Nigeria. What is your take on this?
Well, I have limited knowledge of the subject matter. However, I respectfully call on the authorities to genuinely embrace true federalism. Marginalisation and exclusion, in whatever form, must give way to inclusion, fairness, and justice. The Igbo people, with their remarkable contributions and rich cultural heritage, deserve a central place in our nation’s development.
Therefore, I urge us to build a Nigeria in which every ethnic nationality, including the Igbo people, can thrive and contribute to a truly united, progressive, and sustainable nation, fostering a peaceful environment where every citizen feels a sense of belonging.
Recently, a group started the #IgboMustGo campaign in Lagos and the South-West. What’s your view on this?
We all know that such a group is ill-informed. To the best of my knowledge, the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria allows every Nigerian citizen to lawfully reside in any part of the country.
Has the Council of Traditional Rulers in the South-East asked their counterparts in the South-West to call the people behind ethnic profiling to order?
I believe that the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council, comprising traditional rulers from the South-East and the South-West, will address that if and when necessary.
What do you think is responsible for the ethnic divide among Nigerians, and how can it be solved?
The ethnic divide is for small minds and people who are ignorant and lack understanding. If they had a proper understanding, they would realise that there’s strength in diversity. Our different ethnic groups should be our strength.
Do you have a good relationship with other traditional rulers outside your region?
Of course, I do. I regard and take every one of them as my brother. My personal relationship with each of them was evident at the celebration of my coronation on July 27 in Arochukwu. They came in large numbers in solidarity and to celebrate with the people of Arochukwu kingdom. They really made me proud.
What are the things you do as a traditional ruler that are not in the public domain?
As an ordained pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, everything about me is public. Nothing is hidden.
How do you combine the roles of an ordained pastor with that of a traditional ruler?
There is no conflict whatsoever. The Arochukwu people, ab initio, are people of God. That’s our name. I have said it before. We have already put God first and will continue to uphold our age-long cultural identity and abide by our kingdom’s motto: Ako Bu Ije (meaning wisdom guides your journey in life).
What is your view on the Supreme Court judgment granting autonomy to local government?
The Supreme Court judgment granting autonomy to local government areas in Nigeria is a welcome development. For all intents and purposes, it will bring governance closer to the grassroots.
I hope that this new dispensation will make local governments to be directly answerable to the people. Gone are the days when local government administrations made excuses for being enfeebled by their respective state governments.
Does the palace have future collaborative plans with grassroots politicians to improve the conditions of the Arochukwu people?
Yes, those you refer to as grassroots politicians are all our people. In fact, they are excited about the calibre of the new Eze Aro they have now. So, I have no doubt that the collaboration we have at the moment will only get better. By and large, the people of Arochukwu Kingdom will benefit greatly from it.
