Prof Damian Uzoukwu has chided Okigwe zone for demanding the position of Eze Imo, describing it as not only an attempt to blackmail Governor Hope Uzodinma but an exercise in futility.
He said this while reacting to a newspaper publications by Okigwe Leaders Assembly.
According to him, the zone lacks the moral ground to make what he tagged frivolous claim when the positions of Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Minister of Education and Secretary to the State Government respectively were ceded to them.
Uzoukwu, an Ihube Okigwe born Professor of Political Science recalled that under Senator Evan Enwerem as Governor, the seat of Eze Imo was first occupied by HRH Eze Osondu Osu, an Okigwe zone indigene.
He regretted that some uniformed desperate elements were doing everything possible to present Okigwe zone as ingrate to the Governor’s benevolence, and warned any person making statement that can’t be substantiated to desist or face the wrath of the law.
According to him, it is absurd and unfair for anyone to lay claim to the position of Eze Imo after Okigwe zone, through HRM Eze Osondu Osu, Orlu zone, HRM Eze Cletus Ilomuanya, and Owerri Zone, HRM Eze Samuel Agunwa Ohiri respectively had served out their tenures on behalf of the three zones.
Prof Uzoukwu further maintained that having occupied the number one Traditional stool in the state by the zones, it remains the constitutional discretion of Governor Uzodinma to appoint anyone deemed qualified as Chairman of Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers irrespective of zone.
The Okigwe zone born Varsity don therefore warned traditional rulers hiding under the media to cast aspersions against Governor Uzodinma’s decision to stop or be exposed, saying that since the Ezes were not expected to play partisan politics, there was need for them to rally round the Governor’s choice.
While charging Traditional rulers in the state to support the 3Rs mantra of the present administration in the state, also admonished them to abstain from making uncomplimentary statement capable of inciting the public for the good of the state.
Meanwhile, an interview with some notable Traditional Rulers across the three zones of the state by our reporter to ascertain the minds of the people on the development showed that a good number of them were in support of the appointment of HRH Eze Emmanuel Okeke of Amaifeke as Chairman of Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers.
In Owerri zone, some renowned monarchs led by the Owerri zonal Chairman of Traditional Rulers threw their weight behind the Governor’s choice of Eze Okeke, adding that any attempt to discredit Governor Uzodinma by mischief makers would be highly resisted.
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