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Residents of the Nkomoro community in Ebonyi State’s Ezza North local government area took to the streets on Monday to demonstrate their opposition to the attempted installation of Jacob Nwakpa as their traditional leader, a move they claim was made without their consent.
Undeterred by the torrential rain on Tuesday morning, the Nkomoro community came together to protest, wielding placards with messages such as “Nkomoro has never profited from Jacob Nwakpa’s leadership”, “Our traditional throne is not a commodity to be bought”, and “Jacob Nwakpa is not our preferred choice”.
Speaking to journalists after the protest, Peter Agbom, President of the Nkomoro Youth Assembly, and Obiora Ezaka, Acting Town Union President, stressed that the imposed Monarch-elect lacked popular mandate, and thus would not be recognized as their traditional ruler.
According to them, “We appreciate and respect His Excellency, Francis Nwifuru, the indefatigable governor of Ebonyi State, for his political dexterity and maturity in dousing the political intrigues, tension, and bickering in the Local government elections in the State.
“The amicable resolution and balancing of competing interest is a further testimony to the governor’s wisdom and fatherly disposition.
” No doubt, onwa Oferekpe has bestowed Ebonyians with great hope for the future while delivering immediate dividends of good governance to last till that future. We salute his efforts and pledge total commitment to his administration.
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“That we reject in the strongest term the attempted and remotely manipulated efforts to impose a traditional ruler on Nkomoro by external elements, masterminded by Nwakpa Ikpenyi’s family.
“That at no place, time or forum within any inch of Nkomoro land that Barrister Jacob Nwakpa was nominated or elected as (Ezeogo) meaning king of Nkomoro Community.
”It is strange and an affront on the integrity of the Judicial system that Mr. Chikodili Nomeh would assume authority (under the guise of Ebonyi State House of Assembly Committee) to pass a resolution over a matter pending in court without regard to a subsisting order of court restraining parties to maintain the status quo.
“We reinstate our trust in the ongoing judicial process while we vehemently refuse and would resist any further attempt to impose a traditional ruler upon the good people of Nkomoro without a free and transparent election guided in a participatory process.
“Therefore, we call on all men of goodwill to join us in partnership to enthrone and maintain peace in Nkomoro Community.
Joseph Ogayi, a former police officer, and Prophet Igwe Cletus, both contenders for the throne, called on the Ebonyi State government to ensure a fair and transparent election, pointing out that all aspirants belong to the same Oriuzor kindred and emphasizing the need for a legitimate process that benefits both the community and the state.
