By Tony Okafor, Awka
The Anambra State Government has assured the Azia community in Ihiala Local Government Area of the state that government will not impose anybody on them as their traditional ruler.
Stating that government had no preferred candidate amongst the contestants of the stool in the community, the state government maintained that the community would have a monarch of their choice devoid of any external influence.
The Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Town Union Matters, Mr. Tony-Collins Nwabunwanne gave the assurance on Wednesday when red cap chiefs
and other stakeholders of the community visited Government House in Awka, and pleaded with the state governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, to start the process for the selection of a traditional ruler for the community
Addressing the emissaries on behalf of the state governor, Nwabunwanne said,”It is the people that would select who they want and present him to government for recognition based on the constitution of the town.
” Government does not have any preferred candidate amongst the contestants.It’s not the duty of government to select traditional rulers for communities. The people will make their choice and their choice must prevail. There will not be any imposition of a monarch on you people.”
He enjoined them to continue to be peaceful, patient and tolerant in all circumstances.
Speaking earlier, the elders complained that someone in the community, who they said was not even qualified to contest for the royal stool in the area, because his father is still alive, had been bragging that he would soon be issued with a certificate of recognition by the state government as the traditional ruler of Azia.
Recall that the Azia monarch, Prof Titus Eze, died some years ago after a brief period on the throne.
Displaying placards of various inscriptions, the stakeholders pleaded with the government to come and conduct election for the 12 people who had purchased forms and shown demonstrable interest in becoming the traditional ruler of the community.
Presenting their communique to the Commissioner for Governor Soludo, the stakeholders said: “We most humbly write to inform Mr Governor that Azia people are ready to hold a free, fair, transparent and all-inclusive selection process for a new Igwe of Azia and to receive the delegation that will carry out the exercise.
“Government’s relevant ministry in charge of customs and tradition should come and monitor the process with your express approval.
“It is our firm sincere, honest and impartial belief that the decision to conduct a new free and open selection process in view of all facts and realities surrounding the Igweship tussle over the years as articulated by the Igwe -in – Council of Azia.”
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