By Tony Okafor, Awka
The Anambra State governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, has warned persons not recognized as traditional rulers in the state to stop parading themselves as monarchs or risk six months jail .
Soludo stated this at the Government House, Awka, while presenting certificate of recognition to traditional rulers of four communities in the state.
The traditional rulers include Igwe Mkpuorah Ngini of Isuanaocha in Awka North local government, Eze Augustine Nwangwu of Ajali in Orumba North Local Government, Igwe Alexander Azike of Igbo-ukwu, and Igwe Ikechukwu Ezeofor of Umuona, both in Aguata Local Government Area.
The governor observed that the traditional rulers were popularly elected in their communities in accordance with their various constitutions.
He said any person not recognized by the state government who would parade as a monarch in the state would be jailed for six as prescribed by the law.
Soludo recalled that most communities in Anambra State before now had caretaker committees which he noted were beneficial to the government in power, but adversely affecting the interest of a greater number of the people.
He disclosed that his administration had conducted no fewer than 110 elections in communities using option A4 system.
He said,”Anambra State strictly operates under the traditional rulers law” warning those carrying themselves as traditional rulers when they were not recognized by the state to desist from such act or risk six months jail.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Mr. Tony-Collins Nawbunwanne pointed out that before now, there had been a lot of crises in many communities in the state, some spanning for up 30 years.
Nwabunwanne who noted that the Soludo administration would not compromise public interest for anything, said the new traditional rulers passed due processe at the community, town union and state levels, as they were subjected to clearance by security agencies.
The Chairman, South-East Traditional Rulers’ Council, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, the Obi of Onitsha advised the new traditional rulers not to destabilize their communities, but always listen to their subjects, adding that their enthronement was a great responsibility.
The President-General of Umuona Town Union Chief Kenneth Okoli in his speech commended Soludo for restoring people’s confidence in governance and promised to work with their traditional ruler for enhanced development of the community.
