The Civil Liberties Organization (CLO) has urged Gov. Chukwuma Soludo and Anambra Government to abide by the counsel of the Obi-of-Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe, over the suspension of a traditional ruler in the state.
The Chairman of CLO in Anambra, Mr Vincent Ezekwueme, made the appeal while speaking to the Newsmen on Friday in Enugu on the lingering issue heating up the polity of the state.
It may be recall that Igwe Damian Ezeani, Traditional Ruler of Neni community in Aniocha Local Government Area of Anambra was recently suspended from his throne by the state government.
The suspension followed his award of chieftaincy titles on some citizens outside his domain without clearance from the state Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, as stipulated by the state’s Traditional Rulers’ Code of Conduct.
According to Ezekwueme, Anambra State Government should take very seriously the wise position of the Obi-of-Onitsha on behalf of the Anambra Traditional Rulers Council on the controversial surrounding suspension of Igwe Damian Ezeani.
“Highly respected Igwe Achebe is patriotic, selfless and always stand for what is fair and just; hence the inevitable need to implement his wise counsel to restore peace, people’s trust and confidence in Soludo administration and dignity of the traditional rulers and institutions.
“Pertinently, his view is in tandem with position of CLO and other well meaning citizens which earlier urged Gov. Soludo to rescind his decision on suspension of Igwe Ezeani in order not to give credence to some school of thought that the action is politically motivated.
“And most importantly to restore dignity, respect and honor bestowed on traditional rulers and institutions as custodian of our cultures and traditions.
“This is very sensitive issue as power is transient, it will be a bad precedent and omen for the state, if it is not rectified,” he said.
The CLO boss also reiterated his earlier appealed to Gov. Soludo to withdraw suspension of Igwe Ezeani , and ensure restoration of all the Chief chieftaincy tittles already bestowed on Sen. Ifeanyi Uba, which some other traditional rulers have withdrawn.
He said that towing this line would be a clear indication that Anambra people are indeed truly the light of the nation and “our brothers keeper”.
He said: “His Excellency should also counsel his political appointees to always toe the part of civility, humility, patriotism, decorum and interest of the state while discharging their constitutional duties.
“It is no exageration but existential reality some actions of his excellency political appointees hinders instead of enhances actualisation of laudable policies and programmes of your administration.
“We equally commends His Royal Majesty, Igwe Alfred Achebe, for his steadfastness, patriotism and selfless sacrifices not only to restore peace and normalcy in state, but also to restore the dignity, prestige and respect of traditional institutions in the state and beyond”.