Jubilation as Ebonyi community elects new traditional ruler

BY VICTOR NWEGEDE

It was a galore of jubilation and solidarity on Sunday 15th August 2021, when the people of Ndiebor Ezza-Inyimagu elected Chief Augustine Mbam Nwovu as their new traditional ruler.

The election held at Community Secondary School, Ezza-Inyimagu in Izzi Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, was described as most democratic and peaceful by the President of Oha Izhi Nnodo, HRH Eze S.N Oketa, the Commissioner for Local Government, Rural Development and Chieftaincy Matters, Chief Donatus Njoku, the Executive Chairman of Izzi Local Government Area, Chief Paul James Nwogha  and other stakeholders who observed the exercise.

According to Eze Oketa, the massive turnout of the people during the exercise, has showed oneness, understanding and solidarity to enthrone people-oriented-rulership in the community.


He commended Ebonyi State Governor, Chief David Nweze Umahi whom he said has used the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Chieftaincy Matters to reform the traditional rulership system of the state especially in giving the community people, a free hand and an avenue to choose their leaders.

Eze Oketa who was flanked by other traditional rulers from different Izhi communities and Executives of Oha Izhi, urged the State Commissioner for Local Government, Rural Development and Chieftaincy Matters, who observed the election to inform Governor Umahi that "Izhi people are now united and there is nothing like kindred dictonomy'' as being heralded by 'the enemies of Izhi Nation.'


He further said: "The election of Chief Augustine Mbam as a traditional ruler by his community people is a clear indication that Izhi people are one. Mr. Commissioner Sir, you can bear us witness and that's why you should please and kindly give a true interpretation of your observation during this exercise. There is nothing like division in Izhi land, and kindly tell our amiable governor that we have become united.

"Chief Augustine Mbam was chosen peacefully and nobody is grumbling, nobody talks that he is not Igboejima or he is not Unwuera, all of you unanimously agreed and chose him to be your traditional ruler. This shows you are going to get a greater leader," the Oha Izhi President said.

He commended the contribution of the Executive Chairman of Izzi Local Government Area, Chief Paul James Nwogha, which in his words, led to the successful selection of the traditional ruler.
 

On his part, the State Commissioner for Local Government, Rural Development and Chieftaincy Matters, Chief Donatus Njoku ably represented by Mr Isaac Chukwu described the selection of the traditional ruler as a novel.

"The selection of the traditional ruler is a novel because hardly before you will see where a traditional ruler is selected without rancor or squabble. 

"This one as we can see was done without mischief, the traditional ruler was elected unopposed and this means the people are united," he said.


Njoku also commended the community people for having met all the processes involved in the selection of traditional ruler, saying he came to witness the election as directed by the governor to ensure no foul play recorded.

"This exercise is in line with the Executive Order 002 to ensure transparency and we have come and seen that you people talked in one voice, and from my observation your decision today will enthrone peace, unity and progress in your community. I will communicate back to the state government and all other things involved will be smoothly done," he added.


At the event, the Publicity Secretary of Oha Izhi, Apostle Benjamin Obaji, noted that the community gave birth to the political genitor of Izhi Clan, Sen. Chris Nwankwo, and expressed joy over the peaceful conduct of the election. 


Obaji with the Assistant Secretary of Oha Izhi, Mr Andrew Ekpe Nwiga congratulated the Eze-elect and advised him to carry everybody along.


Recall that the Izzi Council Chairman, Chief Paul James Nwogha while congratulating the Eze-elect, thanked the community people for having demonstrated high sense of maturity by choosing a person of a good repute to occupy their Royal Stool which was left vacant following the death of  Late HRH Eze Alex Nwopa.


He expressed optimism that the election of the new traditional ruler will continue to promote peace and unity in the community in considering the kind of solidarity given to him by the people, calling other communities to emulate them. 



Earlier in his remark, the Chairman of the Community Town Union, Comrade Peter Obeji, said the traditional ruler was elected unopposed and commended the community for showing brotherly love by unanimously chosing Chief Mbam to take over their Royal seat.


The Eze-elect, Chief Mbam thanked his people for choosing him as their traditional ruler with full assurance to be committed to his duties.

Chief Mbam also solicited for his people's continuous support while commending their solidarity during the election.

Other stakeholders who interacted with NATIONAL PANEL during the exercise including the Coordinator Nnodo Development Centre - Mr. Chijioke Nwuzor, the General Secretary Oha Izhi - Dr John Nkwuda, the Secretary Izhi Crisis Managemet Committee - Dr Friday Nkwede, the Financial Secretary Oha Izhi- Chief Emmanuel Obia, Legal Adviser Oha Izhi - Barr Hyacinth Uguru, Vice President Izhi Nnodo Forum - Sir Vin Uguru Orlando, Chief Nwiboko George - the Traditional Prime Minister (Njoku Eze) of Nkaleke Echara Autonomous community, among others also applauded the peaceful conduct of the election and advised the Eze-elect, Chief Mbam to carry everybody along while in office.