By Our Reporter
The tussle over the election or selection of a substantive Traditional Ruler of Ikenga Community in Aguata Local government area of Anambra state has deepened following allegations of sharp practices against the office of the Commissioner for local government and Town Union Affairs .
This is coming as Nze Nonso Ezeokafor who was alleged to have forged the West African Examination Council WAEC certificate twice have been cleared to participate in the election.
But Ñze Nonso Ezeokafor has dismissed the claims that he forged certificate.
He contended that he was not disqualified by the Anambra state government adding that the people of Ikenga has accepted the position of the state government on the December 31st election.
“The people have accepted the verdict of our dear governor on the modus operandi of our election to ensure a smooth transition of power.
“That Obinna Ezenwanne and Obinna Okoye were disqualified by Anambra traditional council rulers law for not resigning 3 months to the election being civil servants”
“That Nonso Ezekafor was disqualified in error by the igwe selection committee”
“That Mr Anselm Dim was disqualified on two counts by Ikenga Town Constitution for not having a house of his own and Anambra state traditional council rulers law for not living within the confines of Anambra state”
“That the town EXCO went to Soludo for solution and governor suggested that vacuum cannot be entertained, hence that we would start the process afresh” he said.
Similarly ,local government and Town Union Affairs office is also being accused of disqualifying two candidates for the position on the grounds that they are Civil Servants but later cleared them to contest for the throne come December 31st 2025.
But the Commissioner for local government and Town Union Affairs Chief Tony Collins Nwabunwanne dismissed those allegations contending that the Anambra state Traditional Rulers law on the election or selection made it explicit contending that the Anambra state government remains neutral in the selection process of a Traditional Ruler.
Nwabunwanne further dismissed claims that Nze Nonso Ezeokafor was disqualified adding that to Ezeokafor is eligible to contest unless there is a fresh substantive allegation against that must be proven.
But Comerade Chukwuma Okafor the Spokesman of the Concerned Ikenga Citizens described the lingering crisis as one that portends danger for the town .
“This election would have been over since December last year but Government frustrated everything by disqualifying two of the contestants who were Civil Servants which is against the Anambra state Traditional Rulers laws”
“When you go to section 4 (d) of the Anambra Traditional Rulers law part 11 under the Selection, Appointment , Recognition of Traditional Ruler,bit stated that;
“The Governor shall not recognize any person as Traditional Ruler of a town or community unless the Governor is satisfied that such person;
(d) Is not a full time public servant in the public service of the state and this is among other qualifications which the two candidates met”
“What it means is that the law did not disqualify a civil servant from contesting the Igwe of the Ikenga Community but can retire or resign before the government can recognize him as Igwe” he said.
He urged the Anambra state government to expedite action in conducting the election before things get out hand .
