By Okechukwu Onuegbu

Abacha community in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State has implored governor Willie Obiano to reinstate their traditional ruler, HRH Igwe G. B. C. Mbakwe, whose certificate was withdrawn on 31st December 2020.

Mbakwe, who is among the 13 monarchs suspended by the governor for travelling to Abuja without permission, was one of the three whose certificates were eventually withdrawn.

The community in a protest march to the state government house, Monday, described Mbakwe as a good man but regretted that his traducers were hunting to remove him for no reason.

The protesters numbering over 50 cabinet chiefs, youth and women, had placards of different inscriptions some of which read detractors should stop distracting our Igwe and Abacha in general., Abacha wants the governor to pardon our Igwe GBC Mbakwe, Igwe GBC Mbakwe remains our traditional ruler, and we are solidly behind Igwe of Abacha,

The Chairman of Umudishi Abacha United (UAU), Chief Emeka Onwuka, who spoke on behalf of the protesters, lamented that some who lost out the Igweship contest with him and their cohorts capitalised on the suspension to singlehandedly nominate someone against the constitution of Abacha.

“Umudishi quarter is the quarter that produced Igwe GBC Mbakwe. For the over twenty years he has been on the throne he has never had any issue with the people of Abacha apart from occasional mischiefs sponsored by someone who contested with him and lost out. They now capitalised on the recent suspension of the Igwe GBC Mbakwe to mobilise their cohorts to exact their pound of fresh,” he alleged.

Also speaking, the Palace Secretary, Chief Ezechukwu Mbakwe, urged urgent intervention of the government to resolve the crisis instigated by Mbakwe’s traducers who went on to unilaterally select one man against section 4 (a & b) of Igweship Constitution of Abacha.

“The process of Igweship selection cannot be equated to substituting a player in a football pitch. The Igweship constitution of Abacha provides strict guidelines and procedure for selecting a credible candidate. We have six months allowed us by the constitution and our time is still running. Igwe is trying to mend fences with the government and if his issues are resolved, to God be the glory, if not, Umudishi will produce their candidate for Igweship within the stipulated time allowed by the Igweship constitution of Abacha (section 4 A and B),” he stated.

On his part, Dr Chinedu Odiegwu, another indigene of the town and Senior Lecturer at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, said there was no vacancy in Abacha throne but even if it becomes tomorrow, it must follow due process.

Responding, the state Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Mr Greg. Obi represented by a staff of the ministry, Mr Henry Nwasike, urged them to remain peaceful and law abiding, assuring that he would relate their position and protest letter for further action.

Bunch of jokers. Only 3 elders..out of the whole community.�����