Abia suspends monarchs for alleged anti-govt posture

No fewer than five traditional rulers have been suspended by the Abia State government for “anti-government postures” and alleged involvement in activities capable of breaching the peace in their autonomous communities.

The affected monarchs include: HRH Eze Nelson Emerengwa of  Isiekenta autonomous community; his counterpart of Ovungvu autonomous community, HRH Eze N.N Nwachukwu and Eze Peter Emereonye of Okporoahaba autonomous community.

Others are  Eze Sampson C. Jinanwa of Amaise Ovungwu autonomous community and Eze Engineer Gbufor Johnson, Igwe
of Ariam usaka autonomous community of Ikwuano Local government Area.

According to a government release signed by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Chief Emma Nwabuko, and  monitored in the State Radio Station, Broadcasting Corporation of Abia State, the suspension is with immediate effect.

The release read in part, “Government has noted with dismay some relentless anti-government postures and activities in some
autonomous communities which are likely to cause breach of peace and security.

“Consequently, to avoid further break down of law and order, government is constrained to suspend the following traditional rulers from office henceforth ….”

The State Government had earlier warned traditional rulers against involvement in partisan politics but it is not yet clear if the suspension has to do with  their involvement in politics.