Soludo writes that the Anambra community opposes the monarchy.

The people of Isuaniocha village in Anambra State’s Awka North local government area rejected the newly installed traditional ruler of the village, Igwe Mkpuorah Ngini, on Thursday.

Last Monday, Governor Chukwuma Soludo granted certificates of recognition to four traditional rulers.

People stated Ngini is not the choice of the community in a peaceful protest to the Anambra State Government House in Awka on Wednesday, branding him as an imposition by a few individuals in the area.

People carried posters with phrases such as “Igweship election was conducted under crisis and confusion,” “We reject Mkpuorah Ngini as our traditional ruler,” “Ngini’s family cannot dictate for Isuaniocha,” and “Isuaniocha needs peace, not war.”

The demonstrators were led by the community’s President General, Mr Fredrick Egwunwa, who chanted solidarity songs at the doorway of the Government House.

“The government of Governor Soludo said earlier that there will be no election in communities that have crises, and Isuaniocha is one of these, but the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters went ahead to conduct a shabby election,” Egwunwa added.

“They coerced a few people to come and vote even though most stakeholders were unaware of the election.”

“They disregarded the governor’s directive for personal reasons.” We reject this move, and all we want is peace.”

They urged the state governor to postpone action on the issue of the area’s traditional ruler until the community achieved peace.

Mr Fidelis Nnazor, Special Adviser to the Governor on Local Government and Community Affairs, who met with the demonstrators on behalf of the Secretary to the State Government, informed them that the government will investigate their complaints and take appropriate action within one week.

“Government will immediately set up a committee to look into the Isuaniocha matter with a view to resolving it and restoring peace to the town, to enable the Soludo administration to carry out his developmental projects in all parts of the state without hindrance,” he said.

After presenting their protest letter to the government, the demonstrators threatened to renew their demonstration if the administration failed to keep its promise within one week.