By Our Correspondent
Anambra State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Tobechukwu Nweke, SAN, has denied allegations that he and the state government are attempting to impose a traditional ruler on Nsugbe community in Anambra East Local Government Area, contrary to a court order.
Nweke, in a statement issued by his Media Assistant, Ruby Ogbonna, on Sunday, described the allegation as a sponsored publication allegedly aimed at tarnishing his reputation and advancing what he called the political interests of its sponsors.
The Attorney-General said he was not aware of any court order restraining the caretaker committee constituted by the state government from resolving the leadership crisis in Nsugbe or conducting the traditional ruler election.
He also said he was not aware of any court order against the state government in connection with the matter.
According to him, the administration of Governor Chukwuma Soludo remained committed to the rule of law and the peaceful resolution of disputes.
Nweke further stated that he had deliberately stayed away from the election process and any litigation involving the state government because Nsugbe was his home community.
“The Attorney-General has not acted in his official capacity in respect of the election or any court action involving the State Government,” the statement said.
It explained that the dispute in Nsugbe arose partly from disagreement over the mode of election adopted by the initial electoral committee constituted under the auspices of the town union.
The initial committee had reportedly opted for a delegate-based electoral system, a decision which, according to the statement, generated disagreement within the community.
The caretaker committee subsequently constituted to resolve the crisis decided to adopt a voting arrangement that would accommodate all eligible members of the community, with a view to achieving what the government described as lasting peace.
The election was consequently fixed for August 30, 2026.
However, the Attorney-General alleged that some persons opposed to the process resorted to actions intended to disrupt the election rather than pursue available legal channels.
Nweke alleged that the sponsors of the publication, after allegedly inciting members of the public, recruited thugs to disrupt the election and cause a breakdown of law and order.
He said the alleged conduct constituted an offence and that the subsequent allegations of imposition amounted to “cheap blackmail” after the alleged attempt to disrupt the process failed.
The statement urged members of the public to disregard what it described as false publications concerning the election and the role of the Attorney-General.
It added that appropriate legal action would be taken against those responsible for the alleged publications and conduct.
