Ezeship: Ebonyi community protests, rejects imposition of traditional ruler

From Nwogha Ndubuisi, Abakaliki

The people of Nkomoro autonomous community in Ezza North local government area of Ebonyi state have protested in show of their rejection of Barr Jacob Nwakpa as Eze-elect of the community. The community who carried out demonstration amidst drizzling rain at Okpokeze Nkomoro village carries placards of different inscription boldly written: Nkomoro community have never benefited from Jacob Nwakpa!,Nkomoro traditional stool is not for sale, Jacob Nwakpa is not our Choice among others.

Addressing newsmen, the Nkomoro Youth Assembly national president, Mr Peter Agbom, and acting town union president, Mr Obiora Ezaka stated that the acclaimed Eze-elect was not elected by the people, hence, would not rule them as their traditional ruler. According to Agbom, "We appreciate and respect His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Builder Francis O. Nwifuru, the indefatigable governor of Ebonyi State, for his political dexterity and maturity in dousing the political intrigues, tension, and bickering in the Local government elections in the State. The amicable resolution and balancing of competing interest is a further testimony to the governor's wisdom and fatherly disposition.

" No doubt, onwa Oferekpe has bestowed Ebonyians with great hope for the future while delivering immediate dividends of good governance to last till that future. We salute his efforts and pledge total commitment to his administration. Also speaking,Mr Okohu Paulinus the community secretary and Obiora Ezaka, acting town union president said the candidate, Barr Nwakpa who allegedly facing court trials and other contestants are yet to stand for any election as one of the prerequisites to be nominated for the post urging the state governor, Francis Nwifuru for his intervention.

"That we reject in the strongest term the attempted and remotely manipulated efforts to impose a traditional ruler on Nkomoro by external elements, masterminded by Nwakpa Ikpenyi's family. "That at no place, time or forum within any inch of Nkomoro land was Barr. Jacob Nwakpa nominated or elected as Ezeogo of Nkomoro Community. " It was strange and an affront on the integrity of the Judicial system that Mr. Chikodili Nomeh would assume authority (under the guise of Ebonyi State House of Assembly Committee) to pass a resolution over a matter pending in court without regard to a subsisting order of court restraining parties to maintain the status quo. "We reinstate our trust in the ongoing judicial process while we vehemently refuse and would resist any further attempt to impose a traditional ruler upon the good people of Nkomoro without a free and transparent electi

on guided in a participatory processes. "Therefore, we call on all men of goodwill to join us in partnership to enthrone and maintain peace in Nkomoro Community. However, some of the aspirants, Mr Joseph Ogayi, a retired police officer, and prophet Igwe Cletus who spoke with our Correspondent, explained that all contestants are of Oriuzor kindred and appealed to Ebonyi state government to visit the community and conduct free, fair and transparent election for the interest of the community. It would recalled that Ebonyi state House of Assembly through the committee on Public Petition, Justice and Judiciary led by Hon Chikaodili Nomeh resolved and authenticated the nomination of Chief Jacob Nwakpa as Eze-elect of Nkomoro automonous community in Ezza North Local Government Area.