…declares no election held in Oba.
The Government of Anambra State has cancelled the Igweship election of Oba community in Idemili South Local Government Area purportedly held in the area to elect their traditional ruler.
The purported election reportedly held over the weekend, in violation of a matter that is still being determined by a court of competent jurisdiction, which was instituted by some interested person in the matter.
But briefing newsmen on the matter at Government House Awka on Monday, the Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Matters, Hon TonyCollins Nwabunwanne, said anyone found parading himself as the monarch of Oba community or a monarch-elect will be arrested, as the purported election is of no effect.
“In the wisdom of Mr Governor, we created a template to allow the communities to have a proper Constitution for themselves without interference. Secondly, we give fair hearing to both conflicting parties and apply the Constitution based on their views.
“If there is election in this December, one month before the election, we have put all modalities in place. Ours is to come on the election day to monitor compliance with their Constitution.
“We have conducted election in almost all the 179 communitles in the state except Orsumenyi and one other as well as reinstated those who by court order in the past administration, won the election and were not given recognition.”
The commissioner said as a way of ensuring peaceful conduct of PG and Igwe elections, all communities in the state must submit their constitutions to the ministry, so that officials will ensure that every election conducted follows the law made by the community itself.
On why it cancelled the election of an Igwe in Oba community, Nwabunwanne said one of the candidates for the position was disqualified for reason of not being able to speak fluently, whereas the constitution simply stipulated that the candidates must be able to read and right, but did not say he must be fluent.
“So, for this we initiated a process which is that every community must submit their constitution to us. So that when they want to conduct elections or selections,
“A case at hand is Oba, we as a government we are trying to be neutral and disabuse our minds of such things as being biased. Parties are still in court, so you can not go and hold election.
“The election has been annulled and anyone parading himself as the traditional ruler of traditional ruler-elect will be arrested and we have told all the security agencies.”
On the Local Government workers in view of the current local government autonomy in the state, he said his ministry provide buildings, tools and welfare of workers.
“During monitoring, we ensure that Local Government chairmen are now working at their respective local government areas to motivate staff to come to work while we provide them with necessary furniture and care for their welfare.”
He thanked Governor Chukwuma Soludo for providing enabling environment for a beautiful Christmas celebration, saying that security has been taken care of, and people have started trooping back home for this Christmas and New Year Celebrations.###
