The Anambra State Governor, Willie Obiano, has pardoned and reinstated three suspended traditional rulers in the state in the spirit of the new year.
The three monarchs were among the 13 traditional ruler’s suspended in office for traveling to Abuja with an oil mogul, Arthur Eze, to see the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), without the state government’s approval.
The state government had in December dethroned three of the monarchs by withdrawing their certificates of recognition while suspension on five was lifted.
Amongst the dethroned monarchs were Igwe Chijioke Nwankwo of Nawfia, Igwe Anthony Onyekwere of Owelle and Igwe G.B.C. Mbakwe of Abacha.
Those whose suspension were lifted included Igwe Simon Ikechukwu Chidubem of Umumbo, Igwe A.N. Onwuneme of Ikenga, Igwe Mark Anthony Okonkwo of Alor, Igwe Chukwuma Bob Vincent Orji of Ezinifite and Igwe S.O. Uche of Ezira
The government then said, “The one-year suspension of Igwe Kelly N. Nkeli of Igbariam, Igwe Dr. Emeka Ilouno of Ifitedunu and Igwe Peter Uyanwa of Ukwulu continues, subject to future review as may be necessary.
But on Friday, the state government in a public service announcement by the Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Greg Obi, said in the spirit of the new year, the state governor, Willie Obiano, had pardoned the monarchs whose suspensions were held in abeyance.
The statement read partly read, “His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Anambra State, in a new year act of magnanimity, has decided to lift the suspension of three remaining traditional rulers effective immediately in the exercise of the powers bestowed on him under the Anambra State Traditional Rulers Law of 2007 as amended.
“The affected traditional rulers are Igwe Kelly N Nkeli of Igbariam, Igwe Dr Emeka Ilouno of Ifitedunu, and Igwe Peter A Uyanwa of Ukwulu.”
Credit: Punch