Umuahia, March 21, 2022
The Umuahia North Traditional Rulers Council of Abia state, has dissociated itself completely from a recent resolution by some of its members in Ohuhu clan, concerning the 2023 elections in the state.Addressing journalists on Monday in Umuahia, the Council’s Chairman, HRH Eze John Ibezim, the Ugwu 1 of Amuzukwu Ibekwu, said the body had not sent anybody or group speak or make a promise on its behalf.
It is recalled that about seven traditional rulers from Ohuhu clan recently paid a visit to the Government House in Umuahia, to discuss zoning in 2023.
They allegedly told Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu that Ngwaland should produce the next governor of the state, while it was the turn of Ohuhu to represent Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency.
The current controversy has been heating up the polity in the state recently.
There has been agitations and debates over which will produce the next governor among the three political blocs of Abia South, Abia North and Abia Central.
However, Ibezim said that their duty as Ndi-Eze was to advise the government based on the situation at the grassroots, but not to dabble into politics.
He said that it was not the responsibility of Ndi-Eze to discuss such a sensitive political matter as zoning.
“It is unfortunate that people who belong to this Council went too far in saying what they said in recent time.
“We are here to tell Nigerians that Abia Council of Traditional Rulers in Umuahia North is not involved in those utterances and will never be,” he said.
The foremost traditional ruler commended Ikpeazu for his stand not to allow the quest for his successor to tear the state apart.
The Council advised the government to follow any regular pattern it had taken in the interest of peace in the state.
Corroborating the position, HRH Eze Iheanyichukwu Ezeigbo, Chairman, Traditional Rulers Council of Ibeku clan, said their role was to give their blessings to whoever emerges as a holder of any political office.
“Therefore, anybody going contrary to this to make pronouncements, is doing so as his own whims,” he said.
All the executive and non-executive members who spoke to journalists, supported what their Chairman said.
It is recalled that about seven traditional rulers from Ohuhu clan recently paid a visit to the Government House in Umuahia, to discuss zoning in 2023.
They allegedly told Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu that Ngwaland should produce the next governor of the state, while it was the turn of Ohuhu to represent Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency.
The current controversy has been heating up the polity in the state recently.
There has been agitations and debates over which will produce the next governor among the three political blocs of Abia South, Abia North and Abia Central.
However, Ibezim said that their duty as Ndi-Eze was to advise the government based on the situation at the grassroots, but not to dabble into politics.
He said that it was not the responsibility of Ndi-Eze to discuss such a sensitive political matter as zoning.
“It is unfortunate that people who belong to this Council went too far in saying what they said in recent time.
“We are here to tell Nigerians that Abia Council of Traditional Rulers in Umuahia North is not involved in those utterances and will never be,” he said.
The foremost traditional ruler commended Ikpeazu for his stand not to allow the quest for his successor to tear the state apart.
The Council advised the government to follow any regular pattern it had taken in the interest of peace in the state.
Corroborating the position, HRH Eze Iheanyichukwu Ezeigbo, Chairman, Traditional Rulers Council of Ibeku clan, said their role was to give their blessings to whoever emerges as a holder of any political office.
“Therefore, anybody going contrary to this to make pronouncements, is doing so as his own whims,” he said.
All the executive and non-executive members who spoke to journalists, supported what their Chairman said.
