David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka
The Anambra State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, has issued a certificate of recognition to four traditional rulers in the state.
The governor gave the monarchs their certificate at the weekend in a private ceremony held at the Government House in Awka, the state capital.
The governor, while issuing the certificates, acknowledged that many unauthorised persons in various communities were usurping the positions of traditional rulers, stating that henceforth, anyone who indulged in that would be sent to jail for six months.
A statement issued by the Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Christian Aburime, listed the traditional rulers who received their certificates including the Igwe Mkpuorah Ngini of Isuaniocha in Awka North Local Government Area; Eze Augustine Nwangwu of Ajali in Orumba North LGA; Igwe Alexander Azike of Igbo-Ukwu and Igwe Ikechukwu Ezeofor of Umuona, both in Aguata Local Government Area.
The governor said: “Traditional rulers are popularly elected in their communities in accordance with their various constitutions.
“Any person not recognised by the state government who would parade himself as a monarch in the state would be jailed for six months as prescribed by the law.
“Most communities in Anambra State before now had caretaker committees, which were adversely affecting the interest of a greater number of the people.
“My administration has conducted no fewer than 110 elections in communities using option A4 system. Anambra State strictly operates under the traditional rulers’ law. Those carrying themselves as traditional rulers who are not recognised by the state must desist from such act or risk six months jail.”
