Anambra State House of Assembly Committee on Public Petitions has adjourned the case brought by some individuals from Amakor village, Nanka in Orumba North Local Government Area, against the traditional ruler of Nanka community, Igwe Godwin Ezeilo, and the President General, Reverend Canon John Ezeike over alleged involvement in illegal sand mining in the village.
the petitioners, under the auspices of Amakor Njikoka Development Union, alleged that the traditional ruler is engaged in sand mining contrary to Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s directive, which banned illegal sand mining at the Nanka gully erosion site and the removal of a security gate leading to the mining site.
However, during the case presentation, it was observed that the main issue was the wrongful denial of the position of Traditional Prime Minister to the Amakor village by Igwe Ezeilo.
In his case presentation, the petitioners’ counsel, Barrister Emma Iloh, claimed that Amakor village has suffered monumental injustice in the hands of the traditional ruler and through Nanka Patriotic Union, alleging misuse of power by the traditional ruler.
In a response, Igwe Ezeilo described the allegations as false, malicious, and defamatory, stating that the poor condition of the road makes mining impossible and that the accusations against him are unfounded.
Regarding the selection of the Traditional Prime Minister, Igwe Ezeilo stated that the process followed the community’s constitution, and the petitioners have no right to dictate the selection process, which is a matter for the traditional institution.
The President General of Nanka Patriotic Union, Reverend Canon Ezeike, expressed gratitude to the people of Nanka for their solidarity with their traditional ruler and the town union, which he said is reflecting the community’s peace and unity under Igwe Ezeilo’s leadership.
He criticized the few individuals attempting to tarnish the image of Nanka community and urged the aggrieved parties to resolve their issues amicably, insisting that no excavation is occurring in the community.
The Vice President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide Chief Damian Okeke-Ogene, dismissed the sand mining allegations against Igwe Ezeilo as false, adding that he would have personally reported the traditional ruler if the claims were true.
The immediate Past President of Amakor village, Chief Emmanuel Obiekunie stated that the accusations against the traditional ruler were baseless and affirmed that the election of the current Traditional Prime Minister of Nanka was fair such that the winner was voted by his contender.
Also in solidarity with Igwe Ezeilo were, the Chief Medical Director, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Amaku Awka, Dr. Joe Akabuike, the Youth President General of Nanka, Mr Ken Okoli and Mrs Okafor Chinyere, President General of Nanka Patriotic Union Women’s Wing, among others.
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