Governor Chukwuma Soludo says his administration will never impose a traditional ruler on any Community in the State.

 

Governor 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 most of the traditional rulers were popularly elected in their communities in accordance with their various constitutions.

 

Governor Soludo recalled that most communities in Anambra State had caretaker committees which he explained are beneficial to the government in power, but adversely affect the interest of a greater number of the people, and disclosed that the administration has conducted about one hundred and ten elections using option A4 system.

He emphasized that Anambra State strictly operates under the traditional rulers law, warning that those who are carry themselves as traditional rulers when they are not recognized by the state are sanctionable under the law with a minimum of six months imprisonment.

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 twenty to thirty years.

Mr Nwabunwanne who noted that the Soludo administration does not compromise public interest for anything, but gives fair hearing to all, in line with their various constitutions, emphasized that the new traditional rulers passed through the process at the community, town union and state levels, as they were subjected for clearance by security agencies.

 

The Chairman, South-East Traditional Rulers’ Council, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe of Onitsha advised the new traditional rulers not to destabilize their communities, but always listen to their subjects, adding that their enthronement is a great responsibility.

The President-General of Umuona Town Union Chief Kenneth Okoli, commended Governor Soludo for restoring people’s confidence in governance and promised to work with their traditional ruler for enhanced development of the community.

Speaking to the ABS, the new Traditional Rulers assured of doing their best in their various Communities.

Secretary to the State Government, Professor Solo Chukwulobelu, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr. Ernest Ezeajughi, Head of Service, Barrister Theodora Igwegbe, Principal Secretary to the Governor, Barrister Joachim Anaetoh, Commissioner for Information, Sir Paul Nwosu, Budget and Economic Planning, Mrs. Chiamaka Nnake, attended the event.