…Says Corrupt Leaders Need To Be Executed
By Godwin-Maria Utuedoye
The Dein of Agbor Ancient Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, King Keagborekuzi Benjamin Ikenchuckwuzi 1, has called on the Nigerian movie industry to always portray the African culture, particularly the Nigerian traditional culture in a positive light as some of her productions are more of like ridiculing the ancestors and tradition.
The First Class monarch in Delta State, made this appeal when the members of the Indigenous Correspondent’s Chapel (ICC) of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Delta State Council, paid him a courtesy visit in his palace at Agbor recently.
He maintained that Africa and Nigeria in particular, have a number of unique and beautiful culture that are contrary to the pictures being painted by Nollywood actors and actresses.
“I am not happy when they project our traditional institutions and culture in a negative light.
“Our culture is not about evil or all (juju) evil. I have never seen a man turn into a rat or just by a thunder strike he will disappear, no. Start projecting our culture in a positively light.”
The monarch who explained in details the importance of culture, also urged all not to judge people and their culture negatively as every part of the country have their own different culture.
On corruption in Nigeria and the government, the revered monarch noted that, cases of moral decadence is increasing as a result of massive corruption going on within the government and the leaders in our society, and that the younger generation are copying from them.
He however stressed that the youths should realised and discover their potentials and look for ways to better their lives than indulging in vices that are capable to truncate their lives and dreams.
The First Class traditional ruler, also suggests that the government of Nigeria should take a cue from the government of China by executing any political appointee or leader found wanting irrespective of the position he has occupied.
Addressing issues of tourism potential in Nigeria and Ika nation in particular, King Keagborekuzi Benjamin Ikenchuckwuzi 1, noted that tourism is very important and even as his kingdom is in a very strategic location in Delta State, but maintained that tourism cannot come or thrive before a clean environment, security, peaceful environment and crisis free area.
He also stated that tourism needs a community that will be appealing to the world. Citing Tinapa in Cross River State as an example, the King said, Tinapa was not there before, but was created by the then Governor Donald Duke. “It is a thing of interest, and without a clean environment, security and peace, tourism cannot be.”
Referring to the uniqueness of the Bini culture, the monarch said; ” The Bini kingdom have an amazing cultural festivals they celebrate every year”.
This he said, could be advantageous to us if the environment allowed it. He said the whole of the Eastern part which also have an amazing tourism potential is now bedeviled with insecurity. He further noted that without an enabling environment that is well secured and peaceful, tourism will not excel.
“I have been to the Niger Delta region on boat, and what I saw in Miami, US and others can be replicated in the Niger Delta and the white would love to come for tourism visit. But because they wouldn’t want to be kidnapped, killed, abused or molested, then it will be difficult. so, security is very key to tourism.”
On the importance of the Igbo’s in Nigeria, the monarch appealed to the presidency and the government to give the Igbo’s an opportunity, enabling environment and policies that will increase productivity and manufacturing, describing the Igbo’s as the China in Nigeria and economic hub web of the nation.
While commending Nigerians on their role in the 2023 general elections, Keagborekuzi Benjamin Ikenchuckwuzi 1, described it as amazing as it charges politicians to be on their toes. “They are now aware of the importance of the electorate and their constitutional powers.
” You can recall your representatives from any of the houses. It is your right and it is constitutional. I appeal to journalists to enlighten and educate the masses in their right.”
Giving kudos to the president, Bola Tinubu, he said the president deserved an applause because from all indications, he is a man that have the capacity to build a unity government.
So if you sees him talking to or with Mr. Peter Obi or Atiku Abubakar, don’t be surprise because if Peter Obi have a germane ideas and reasons and Atiku have a germane ideas, then both can work the country to success.
He however warned those standing as obstacles in blocking the citizens from seeing their representatives like the commissioners, governors, ministers and other elected officers to desist from such as it is the constitutional rights of the people to see their representatives.
He thanked the Journalists for visiting and encouraged them to do more positive stories rather bad stories that will portray the Nigerian society on a negative way.
Earlier, chairman of the Chapel, Orusi, who commended the monarch for his leadership prowess, called for constitutional roles for traditional rulers.
He recall the 1969 constitution which provide constitutional roles for kings to take possession of their domain.