From Nwogha Ndubuisi, Abakaliki
The people of Nkomoro autonomous community in Ezza North local government area of Ebonyi state have protested in show of their rejection of Barr Jacob Nwakpa as Eze-elect of the community.
The community who carried out demonstration at Okpokeze Nkomoro village square carried placards of different inscriptions calling for the election of the traditional stool.
Addressing newsmen, the Nkomoro Youth Assembly national president, Mr Peter Agbom, and acting town union president, Mr Obiora Ezaka stated that the acclaimed Eze-elect was not elected by the people, hence, would not rule them as their traditional ruler.
According to Agbom, “We appreciate and respect His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Builder Francis O. Nwifuru, the indefatigable governor of Ebonyi State, for his political dexterity and maturity in dousing the political intrigues, tension, and bickering in the Local government elections in the State. The amicable resolution and balancing of competing interest is a further testimony to the governor’s wisdom and fatherly disposition.
” No doubt, onwa Oferekpe has bestowed Ebonyians with great hope for the future while delivering immediate dividends of good governance to last till that future. We salute his efforts and pledge total commitment to his administration.
Also speaking,Mr Okohu Paulinus the community secretary and Obiora Ezaka, acting town union president said the candidate, Barr Nwakpa who is currently facing court trials and other contestants are yet to stand for any election as one of the prerequisites to be nominated for the position urging the state governor, Francis Nwifuru for his intervention.
“That we reject in the strongest term the attempted and remotely manipulated efforts to impose a traditional ruler on Nkomoro by external elements, masterminded by Nwakpa Ikpenyi’s family.
“That at no place, time or forum within any inch of Nkomoro land was Barr. Jacob Nwakpa nominated or elected as Ezeogo of Nkomoro Community.
” It was strange and an affront on the integrity of the Judicial system that Mr. Chikodili Nomeh would assume authority (under the guise of Ebonyi State House of Assembly Committee) to pass a resolution over a matter pending in court without regard to a subsisting order of court restraining parties to maintain the status quo.
“We reinstate our trust in the ongoing judicial process while we vehemently refuse and would resist any further attempt to impose a traditional ruler upon the good people of Nkomoro without a free and transparent election guided in a participatory processes.
However, some of the aspirants, Mr Joseph Ogayi, a retired police officer, and prophet Igwe Cletus who spoke with our Correspondent, explained that all contestants are of Oriuzor kindred and appealed to Ebonyi state government to visit the community and conduct free, fair and transparent election for the interest of the state.
It could be recall that Ebonyi State House of Assembly committee on Public Petition, Justice and Judiciary led by Hon Chikaodili Nomeh last week claimed to had resolved and authenticated the nomination of Chief Jacob Nwakpa as Eze-elect of Nkomoro autonomous community
