Anambra:Traditional Institution Lauds Soludo on Peace, Transformational Initiatives 

FROM OkEOGBUEHI UCHECHUKWUJEME (AWKA)

Stakeholders in the Awka Kingdom, Anambra State have expressed belief in the sustenance of peace as a means of engendering security and enabling an environment for national development.       

They made this known, yesterday, during the dual celebrations of appreciation of the state government’s transformational initiatives in Awka and the initiation of Chief Jonathan Nzekwe at Umuonaga  Agulu-Awka quarter of Awka, Awka South Local Government Area of the State.     

In his speech, the Traditional Ruler of Awka Kingdom, Obi Gibson Nwosu (Ezeuzu Awka II) observed that Governor Chukwuma Soludo has given Awka community a great sense of belonging through an increase in appointments and massive road constructions in the capital city.    

Obi Nwosu, represented by his traditional prime minister, Chief Benjamin Okoye maintained that no meaningful development can take place in an atmosphere of rancor and acrimony, between the people, especially even as he urged the youths to avoid acts capable of portraying the community in a bad light.      

In his remarks, the celebrant, Nzekwe noted that he decided to host the Kingmakers after his initiation into the membership of Ezeuzu Awka II Cabinet to appreciate the Kingmakers for their doggedness in standing behind the monarch and sustaining peace in the town which has created enabling environment for the resounding performance of Soludo administration.    

Nzekwe disclosed that the majority of indigenes of Awka are behind the action of Governor Soludo towards stopping an imposter on the throne of Ancient Awka Kingdom, urging Awka people to continue to be loyal to Obi Nwosu who was issued with a Certificate of Recognition from the state government.                                                     

He said it was unfortunate that the claimant to the Ezeuzu III throne as a family member of the late Ezeuzu Awka 1, Obi Alfred Ndigwe, had a Certificate of Recognition from the state government to justify his ambition.                                                

According to him, many people recoiled to the shelf instead of standing up to be counted by identifying with the only true monarch of the community in the person of Obi Gibson Nwosu, hailing the unalloyed solidarity of Ozo group in the community, led by Ozo Obuorah in throwing its weight behind Obi Gibson Nwosu, Ezeuzu Awka II as the traditional ruler of the town.                             

In addition, he said the false claim of the existence of Ezeuzu Awka III has gone a long way in creating confusion, and disunity among the indigenes, cum threatening the security situation of the community, especially from the youths forum.          

Contributing, the  Chairman of the Council of Kingmakers and head of Ozo Agulu said the recognition of Ezeuzu Awka II as the authentic monarch in the community by the state government has settled all claims, suing for unity and oneness.                                

Obuorah called on the people to always respect the constituted authorities, especially in abiding with the position of the government that has recognized the authentic monarch of the community.          

He pointed out that those who attempted to unseat Ezeuzu Awka II capitalized on the provision in the Awka Chieftaincy Constitution, 1986 which fails to provide where an aggrieved traditional ruler facing sanction would appeal against his case.                                                                      

Earlier, the  Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA) emphasized that Awka has immensely benefitted from the Soludo administration in appointment, human capital, and infrastructural development,  among others,  urging for the continued support of the government.  

Onuko charged the people of Awka to continue to be law-abiding to benefit more from the dividends of democracy by the present government.