Obinna Uchendu Abakaliki
The family of His Royal Highness, Late Ezeogo Augustine Okwor of Nkalaha, in Ishielu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State and a Civil Society Group in the State, Ebonyi first Vanguard yesterday exchanged words over alleged $2000 USD bribery scandal levelled against the State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Mr. Uchenna Igwe by the late Okwor family.
In a petition addressed to Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru by the family of the traditional ruler and made available to journalists accused, Mr. Igwe of allegedly extorting the total sum of #20m to recognize the newly recognized traditional ruler of the community by Governor Nwifuru
The petition also alleged that, Mr. Igwe breach the states traditional rulers/chieftaincy law by attempting to extort the sum of $2000 USD from the deceased monarch to facilitate the ongoing government-approved housing project in his compound.
In the petition Witten and signed by the family’s attorney, Barr. Emeka Anosike described the action of the Commissioner as abuse of office insisting that the recognition of one Mr. Thompson I. Ebeh on the 1st of October, 2024, as the new traditional ruler of the Nkalaha community in Ishielu Local Government Area of the state was not done with due process.
They expressed the concern that Mr. Igwe accepted a bribe of the sum of N20million to recognize Mr. Thompson I. Ebeh as the new traditional ruler.
They equally maintained in the petition that the late Ezeogo Augustine Okwor, during his lifetime, was recognized as a traditional ruler of the Nkalaha Autonomous Community on 26/8/2020 by the former Governor of the State, Engr. David Umahi, “a position he held until his demise on the 24th day of May, 2024, after a brief illness.”.
The family called on the State Governor to intervene on the alleged ill treatment against the late traditional ruler which include but not limited to almost denying him the opportunity to benefit from the government’s housing projects for traditional rulers across the state.
They noted that the salary and allowances of the late traditional was stopped without proper procedures, immediately after his demise.
But in a swift reaction, Civil Society Group, Ebonyi First Vanguard described the allegations as baseless, frivolous and calculated attempt to tarnish the image of the Commissioner.
The group in a statement signed by the Director General, Mr. Monday Eze condemned the attack and challenged the late Okwor family to show prove of the allegations against the Commissioner or tender unreserved public apology to him and Ebonyi people.
“The unsubstantiated accusations that Mr. Igwe extorted money from a dead man and another living traditional ruler is far-fetched, unfounded and smacks of bad faith.
“Ebonyi First Vanguard hereby challenges the late Okwor family of Nkalaha Community to show prove of their criminal allegations against the commissioner or tender unreserved public apology to him and Ebonyi people for that infantile attempt to impeach the character of the Commissioner.
