The people of Nkomoro Community in Ezza North local government area of Ebonyi have warned youths and other members of the community against any attempt to instigate violence that may lead to loss of lives in the community in the ongoing chieftaincy tussle in the area.
The people alleged that few members of the community have been attempting to impose a traditional ruler on them against the constitution of the community, describing the move as calculated attempt to plunge the community into crisis.
The elders and youths of the community stated this in a communique signed by some of their leaders – Obiora Ezaka, Paulinus Okohu and Romanus Igwe – after their general meeting in the area.
The people vowed that they must be allowed to democratically elect their traditional ruler in accordance with the constitution of the community.
“We pledge our unalloyed support to Governor Francis Nwifuru and humbly request him not to relent in his instrument of good leadership, equity and justice in protecting Ebonyi people in their struggle to ensure that intimidation, rascality and oppression are eradicated in our society particularly in Nkomoro community.
“Pursuant to Articles 3, 4 and 5 of the constitution of Nkomoro autonomous community, the Ezeogo cabinet substantively constituted as the highest leadership body in Nkomoro, presently shall liaise with the law-abiding executive members of Nkomoro town union to plan and initiate the procedures and democratically elect a new traditional ruler of the community in due time.
The process must be through a very fair and participatory process to ensure quality, equity, justice and freedom of choice to the indigenes and the protection of interest or the aspirations of all.
“That some conspirators who attempted to impose Ezeogo on Nkomoro community from their hideout in Abakaliki and further plunge the age-long peaceful Nkomoro in public disgrace and brigandage are immediately advised to render apology to the entire community and fulfil obligatory customs towards genuine reconciliation and peaceful reintegration into the community in order to purge themselves of stinking dint such sacrilege and abomination.
“We further urge all citizens of the community especially the imposters and power-mongers to desist from actions or plans that may occasion crisis in our land,” they stated.