OGBOZINNE AUTONOMOUS COMMUNITY DEMAND FOR REMOVAL OF THEIR TRADITIONAL RULER

The People of Ogbozinne Autonomous Community, Akpugo, Nkanu-West Local Government Area of Enugu State have staged a peaceful protest demanding the removal of their Traditional Ruler, Igwe Steve Nwatu for alleged high–handedness, extortion and intimidation.

The people comprising aged men, women and  youths thronged the gate of the Enugu State Government House, Enugu carrying placards with inscriptions “Save Ogbozinne from Igwe Nwatu’sself-imposition; Governments of Nigeria and Enugu State,  save the souls of our citizens from Igwe S.N Nwatu; Gburu-gburu  save Ogbozinne from tyrant leaders”,  among others.

The Spokesperson of the group, Mr. Odenigbo Nwobodo alleged that Igwe Nwatu imposed fines on the people; subjected them to manual labour in his farmlands and extorted money from the community members using his illegal security group.

A woman Leader in the Community, Mrs Josephine Nnamani, corroborated the story and urged the State Government to intervene in the situation.

Addressing the protesters, the Chief of Staff, Government House Enugu, Doctor Festus Uzor and the Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Mr. Sam Ogbu-Nwobodo assured them that the Government would explore ways to resolve the problem.

When Radio Nigeria called Igwe Steve Nwatu’s mobile phone, a man who refused to  reveal his identity claimed that the Traditional Ruler was not disposed to respond to the accusations.

He alleged that the protesters were not members of the community and did not consult the Traditional Ruler before the moved.

The protesters also matched to Radio Nigeria Enugu to register their grievances.

CHUKWUMA EZOGU