By Nneka Anoliefo
Anambra State Government has advised Azia Community in Ihiala Local Government to put their house in order and end the Igweship tussle tearing the community.
The Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Mr Collins Nwabunwanne, gave the advice while addressing stakeholders from the town who paid him reconciliatory visit in his office at the Government House in Awka.
Commissioner Nwabunwanne stressed the need for them to go home and resolve their differences as Government wants to involve them all in the reconciliatory process.g
He reminded them that there is a process for traditional institutions in the state, pointing out that the standard process is that the President-General would present the Igwe elect to the local government, which will, in turn, present the traditional ruler to the government who will then issue the Certificate of Recognition to the traditional ruler.
The Commissioner harped on the need for them to look at the Azia constitution and that of town Union, explaining that if they have issues with the Igwe elect Felix Ifeanyimuo, they can call him to order, or if they want to present someone else to government, they should feel free to do so.
The Commissioner maintained that government would remain transparent in bringing to an end, the Igweship tussle in no distant time as Governor Chukwuma Soludo is Committed to restoring peace and order in all warring communities in the state, hence, the need for them to adopt peaceful resolution in ending the dispute.
In their separate speeches, Chief Chike Mmoughalu and Chief Okoh Nsidinanya reminded the stakeholders of the need for them to adhere to the by_laws as endorsed by the town union government, urging them also to be mindful of the issues raised during the reconciliation meeting, the Town Union White Paper and By- laws among others.
The Igwe-elect on his part, explained that he was meant to take over as the Igwe elect within 90 days of the demise of Professor Titus Ezemenari who contested the Igweship position with him, but that about 5% of the stakeholders in the community refused.
It was understood that late Professor Titus Ezemenari contested the position with Chief Ifeanyi Muo, but because there were disputes after the election, leaving the seat vacant, therefore, following the demise of Professor Ezemenari, the position should go to Chief Ifeanyimuo.
The former President-General, Chief Kenneth Maduakor, and Chief Ulie Chukwudum recounted that the current Igweship tussle began shortly after the demise of his co-contestant, Professor Titus Ezemenari.
They decried what they described as impunity attitude of a few stakeholders in the community..
In a vote of thanks, the President-General of the town, Dr Tonna Nwabueze, appreciated Governor Soludo and Commissioner Nwabunwanne for their professional skills in handling the tussle and their unbiased stance, noting that Igweship tussle is a delicate issue.
He promised to reconcile the parties and harmonise them for peace, stability and progress of the town.
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