The Imo State House of Assembly has called on the people of Ochia Autonomous community in Ohaji/Egbema local government area to remain calm, peaceful and law abiding.
The call was made by the Deputy Speaker, Rt Hon Amara Chyna Iwuanyanwu (who represented the Speaker), when he, along with other Honourable Members, addressed the people of Ochia Community who came to protest at the Imo State House of Assembly over the absence of leadership and their traditional ruler, His Royal Highness Eze Ekwueme Ekwueme whom they accused of having abandoned his stool for over two years and six months.
The Deputy speaker assured the protesters who came in their hundreds that their complaints would be looked into. He further directed them to formally submit their petition to the House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, after which appropriate action would be taken by the House, after looking into the matter. “Your coming here will not be in vain, because you have a reliable Honourable Member”. The Deputy Speaker concluded.
Earlier, the leader of the protesters, Mazi Aloysius Ogboka, had informed the House that their traditional ruler, HRH Eze Ekwueme absconded from his stool and travelled outside the country, specifically, United States Of America for more than 30 months, and has remained there, without any clear reason.
According to Mazi Aloysius Ogboka, “the traditional ruler handed over to the traditional Prime Minister, while at the same time, dishes out directives and orders to Oil companies operating in their community and takes all the royalties, without bringing any development to Ochia Autonomous community, a situation that has created a big lacuna.
He further complained that their traditional ruler has remained incommunicado but is always seen on social media dancing and partying.
“We have since forwarded the videos of our traditional ruler dancing in America, which he posted on Facebook, to our Honourable Member in the State Assembly”. We want his immediate replacement, Mazi Aloysius Ogboka submitted .
Also speaking, the Honourable Member Representing Ohaji/Egbema State Constituency, Hon Dr Uzoma Francis Osuoha, appealed for calm, promising that the issues raised would be looked into, and properly addressed by the j j.
” I know your pains, and I have been to your community severally on thesy same issues. I appreciate you for coming here. The House will look into the matter, and will communicate our findings to His Excellency our dutiful governor”. Hon Uzoma Francis Osuoha stated.
Other lawmakers present included : It Hon Johnson Duru (Ideato South), Hon Engr Innocent Ikpamezie (Mbaitoli), Rt Hon Kanayo Onyemaechi (Majority leader), Rt Hon Barrister Dominic Ezerioha (Oru-west), Hon Engr Gilbert Chiedozie Nwosu (Oguta) and Hon Okey Udeze (Ideato North).
Citizen Ikenna Samuelson Iwuoha writes from IMHA Owerri.
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