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Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra state has placed a one-year suspension on 12 traditional rulers who went with Prince Arthur Eze to see President Muhammad Buhari over the state of affairs in Anambra.
The 12 traditional rulers were alleged to have traveled with Prince Arthur Eze to report Governor Obiano to the President, over his non-conduct of local government elections in the state among other issues.
However, a reliable source from Aso Rock informed Hanoky Media that the 12 traditional rulers were turned back at the Villa gate.
It was also gathered that the businessman, Prince Arthur Eze, has been at loggerheads with the Governor, who he accused of not paying traditional rulers five percent of monies accruing to the state as directed by the federal government.
He also threatened to urge President Buhari to stop paying local government funds to the state government.
The Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Mr. Greg Obi announced the suspension which was contained in a statement made available to newsmen in Awka, on Thursday.
The affected traditional rulers are: – Igwe Alex Edozieuno of Mkpunando, Igwe Mark Anthony Okonkwo of Alor, Igwe Chukuwma Bob Vincent Orji of Ezinifite and Igwe Engr G.B.C Mbakwe of Abacha.
Others are: Igwe Chijioke Nwankwo of Nawfia, Igwe Nkeli Nelly of Igbariam, Igwe Anthony Onyekwere of Owelle, Igwe A. N Onwuneme of Ikenga, Igwe Simon Ikechukwu Chidubem of Umumbo, Igwe S. O Uche of Ezira, Igwe Dr Emeka Ilouno of Ifitedunu and Igwe Peter Ikegbunem Udoji of Eziagulu Otu.
The suspension, which is for one year, took effect from Tuesday, August 11, 2020, the circular stated.
“The suspended traditional rulers are not to parade themselves as traditional rulers and desist from discharging their functions as traditional rulers in their communities or anywhere within the state and beyond with immediate effect”, the statement read.
The circular also stated, “The traditional rulers traveled outside the state without consultation or authorization from the state government, an act seen as diversionary with the intent to cause disaffection in the state”.
It was also gathered that the suspension of the traditional rulers followed the recommendation of their colleagues in the Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council after their meeting at Prof Dora Akunyili Women Development Center Awka on Tuesday.
The Council, led by the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe condemned the ill-fated trip of the traditional rulers in strong terms.
