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Don’t be distracted by monarch-tussle politics, Community tells Gov Obiano
By Emma Elekwa, Onitsha
People of Ogbunka, in Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra State on Wednesday, called on the governor, Willie Obiano not to be distracted by those who take advantage of traditional ruler’s politics in various communities to derail his administration.
The indigenes who gave the advice during a protest at the governor’s lodge Amawbia in Awka South Local Government Area of the state noted that it was the people’s responsibility to determine who assumed the traditional ruler of any community.
The protesters with placards of various inscriptions blocked the entrance to the governors’ lodge which caused heavy traffic in the area.
Some of the inscriptions on the placards read, “Ogbunka Igweship is not for sale, give us Doctor Foster, we say no to the imposition of Traditional ruler, government please allow us to choose our Igwe by ourselves” among others.
One of the community leaders, Chief Paul Onwudiwe expressed shock over the government’s plans to issue a certificate to an unrecognized member of the community.
He said, “We’re aware that it’s the sole responsibility of the people and not for the government to hand-pick or impose a candidate on them.
“But we’re shocked to learn that the government was going to issue a certificate to someone that has never been recognized or elected by the people of Ogbunka.
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“We appeal to the governor to consider the negative impact and chaos such decision will have in the area and suspend the certificate to allow for a fresh election.”
Reacting, Commissioner, Local government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Chief Greg Obi described the protests as unnecessary, saying the governor would never issue a certificate to any monarch based on friendship.
He said, “The two contestants bought forms and asked us to come and witness the nomination, which we went. One person succeeded, while the other failed. The person who failed said he would go and change the constitution, with all manner of allegations.
“But the governor has repeatedly said he would not issue a certificate to anyone on the basis of friendship. In this case, some selected elders had a preference and tried to amend Constitution contrary to what the court said.
“It was unfortunate they decided to engage the youths to protest today.”
