There is palpable fear in Nkomoro Community of Ezza North Local Government Area of Ebonyi State over alleged imposition of One Barr. Jacob Nwakpa as the traditional ruler of the people.
Leaders and elders of the community yesterday staged a peaceful protest to the Ebonyi State Government House Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State Police Command and the Office of the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters.
The protesters numbering over 100 marched from the busy Ogoja road to Onwe road chanting anti Jacob Nwakpa’s songs. They were accompanied by men of the Ebonyi State Police command and the Federal Road Safety Corp, FRSC.
The protesters submitted a petition written and signed by over 100 elders and leaders of the community to the State Governor, Francis Nwifuru and the State Commissioner of Police, CP Augustina Ogbodo.
The Traditional Prime Minister of the community, Chief Linus Eze while addressing the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Mr. Uchenna Igwe alleged that if not addressed urgently, the imposition could lead to a possible breakdown of law or bloodbath in the community.
“There is tension and palpable fear in the community as the people are going to resist any attempt by Barr. Jacob Nwakpa to impose himself on the people. No one man can make himself a traditional ruler against the collective interest of the people.
“We decided to stage this protest to register our displeasure over the imposition of Barr. Nwakpa on the people of Nkomoro Community. We are here to inform the State Government of a possible unrest in the community should he be crowned this weekend.
The protesters carried placards with inscriptions such as, “Jacob Nwakpa is not our traditional ruler”, “Nkomoro is a peaceful Community, Help Us to maintain the peace”, “We will resist any form of imposition on us” and
In his reaction, the State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Mr. Uchenna Igwe stated that the State Government will not tolerate any form of imposition on the people.
He noted that the State Governor since assumption of office has ensured that each community elect their choice traditional ruler and urged the people to remain calm.
When contacted, Barr. Jacob Nwakpa maintained that the community through the lay down procedure, elected a traditional ruler screened him and elected him as the next traditional ruler of Nkomoro Community and described the protest as the handiwork of his detractors.
He noted that he will abide by the decision of the State Government in resolving the issues adding that he will support any move by the State to ensure that a traditional ruler of Nkomoro Community is peacefully and unanimously crowned. Ends.
