Anambra community presents Igwe-elect to Soludo, warns trouble makers to steer clear
By Praise Chinecherem
People of Ihite community in Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra State on Thursday officially presented their newly elected traditional ruler, Igwe Timothy Ifurunwa to the state government following his unanimous election.
Speaking with reporters in Awka shortly after presenting the monarch to the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Tony-Collins Nwabunwanne, the President General of the community, George Madu described the process that produced the monarch as credible, transparent and peaceful.
Some members of the community had rejected the emergence of the traditional ruler, describing the election as a charade.
But the PG, who commended Governor Chukwuma Soludo for restoring sanity in the process of selection of traditional rulers in the state, warning trouble makers to turn a new leaf and embrace peace for the progress of the town.
He said the era of certain money bags determining who became the Igwe of communities in the state or hijacking the process through thugs was over.
He said, “We thank the Governor who has brought sanity to the system by insisting on due process. Anambra State is now witnessing a new narrative in the choice of igwe.
“The era of money bags picking their Igwe or hijacking the process with thugs is over. Each town now determines who governs them.
“The process that produced our Igwe was duly followed as stipulated by the constitution. The Local Government Commissioner sent his representative who monitored the entire exercise.
“The day the Igwe was presented, the entire community went agog. There was no dissenting voice which was a clear demonstration that he was unanimously elected.
“For the trouble makers, we urge them to turn a new leaf and embrace peace and progress. Every town is developing, so they should assist the monarch to develop the community.”
Transition Committee Chairman of the area, Prince Neville Uchendu also praised the governor for always ensuring conducive environment with preference to option A4 electoral method for sake of transparency.
He also thanked the PG for his role in conducting a hitch-free election as well as the people for their orderliness throughout the exercise.
He said, “Since Soludo assumed office two years ago, no community across the 21 local government areas, particularly in Orumba South has experienced any electoral violence during and after her town leadership elections.
“The people of the community need to unite under the Igwe-elect for speedy development of their community to enthrone peace for sustainable development.”
The traditional ruler-elect, Timothy Ifurunwa said he was overwhelmed by the resounding victory and acceptance that greeted his emergence.
He said, “I’m here with my PG and other notable personalities in the community to officially present myself to the Commissioner after a successful election.
“We were warmly welcomed by the Commissioner who advised me on how to go about my office based on Governor’s directive to ensure peace and stability in the community.
“There were some hoodlums that attempted to hijack the exercise, but when they were resisted by the PG who insisted they must follow due process, they decided to make trouble.
“Before then, the PG had announced that those interested in the election to go and pick the form from the electoral college. I picked the form and underwent the interview and was scored 75%.
“Later, I was invited to the village where I was unanimously presented at the market square which was witnessed by the entire community, electoral college and other stakeholders.
“When the PG asked those who are opposed to my candidature to indicate, nobody came out. But when he asked those in support, everyone gathered around me.
“My plans for the community is to continue from where the late Igwe stopped, including lifting the community beyond where I met it, in all ramifications.
“For those who were not happy with my emergence, they have no option than to join the winning team because they know they’ve failed.
Also speaking, Chairman, Anambra Urban Regeneration Council, Arc. Mike Okonkwo who is also an indigene of the town expressed joy that the town was able to produce a traditional ruler three years after the death of the former monarch.
“We’ve not had Igwe for the past three years. I’m happy that Ihite can now boast of a traditional ruler and the vacuum has finally been filled.
“Ihite has been a peaceful community. The records are there at the local government and chieftaincy affairs office. That is why we will not tolerate anyone trying to deflate the existing peace we’re enjoying,” he added.
Earlier, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Tony-Collins Nwabunwanne, while receiving the traditional ruler-elect and his delegation, commended them for the peaceful conduct of the election.
He advised the monarch to run an open door policy to ensure his subjects were carried along for the growth and development of the area.