Four traditional rulers in Ebonyi State have been dethroned by the state Governor, Martin Elechi for allegedly sabotaging government programmes.
The Monarchs who are from Ishielu Local Government Area are being accused of sabotaging the efforts of government towards reclaiming the Nigeria Cement Company (NIGERCEM) Nkalagu.
They were accused of conspiring with Ibeto group to castigate the state government and sabotage its efforts to stem the organized decimation of Nigercem.
In a release signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Dr. Onyekachi Eni, the Governor directed the deposed traditional rulers to immediately vacate their stools and cease to represent or parade themselves as the traditional rulers of the affected communities.
He also ordered them to handover unfailingly, their respective certificate of recognition and staff of office as traditional rulers to the chairman of Ishielu council area within 48 hours for onward transmission to the Ministry of local government, Chieftaincy Matters and Rural Development.
“The Governor of Ebonyi State, His Excellency, Chief Martin Elechi, CON, has noted with regret and embarrassment the attempt by some traditional rulers in Ishielu Local Government Area to sabotage the efforts of the State Government to reclaim Nigercem from economic invaders masquerading as cement manufacturers.
In 2009, the state government revoked the certificate of occupancy of the company on account of which the Eastern Bulkcem Co Ltd dragged the State Government to the Federal High court, first in Enugu, and later in Abakaliki. Among other decisions, the Federal High Court declined to nullify the state Government’s revocation of the C of O on Nigercem as prayed by the core-investor”, the statement had read in parts.
The affected monarchs include, HRH Eze Mathias Nnaji of Nkalagu; HRH Eze Michael Egbo of Amaezu community; Prince Benjamin Onwa, Regent of Umuhuali community and Prince Augustine Okwor, regent of Nkalaha community.
Source: Dailypost
