Abia monarchs seek dissolution of traditional rulers' council over tenure expiration

www.odogwublog.com reports that traditional rulers in Abia State are furious over the reluctance of the State Government to dissolve the state's Traditional Rulers Council led by HRM Eze Eberechi Dick whose tenure, they said had  expired.

The fury and grumbling among the monarchs came to the fore Tuesday in Umuahia during a seminar organized by Women Aid Collective ( WACOL) for traditional rulers in Abia Central.

 Traditional Ruler of Okaiuga Nkwoegwu Autonomous Community in Umuahia North Local Government Area , HRM Eze Nzenwata Mbakwe, who mustered courage to burst the 'balloon' warned that it could generate bad blood among the monarchs if not urgently addressed.

The former First Deputy Chairman of the Council urged the State Government to  dissolve the Dick-led council and inaugurate a new one  arguing that his three year non- renewable tenure has since expired.

Dick who also doubles as the Chairman of South East Traditional Rulers Council is from Mgboko Amairinise in Obingwa LGA.

Mbakwe queried the rationality of retaining Dick as the Chairman of the council five years after his appointment by ex-Gov. Theodore Orji.

Mbakwe who further argued that the chairmanship of the council is rotated among the three senatorial zones in the state said it was the turn of Abia Central to produce the new Chairman.

His words: " I know some people will not be happy with me over what I am going to say but it won't stop me from saying it. Why has Government failed to dissolve the Traditional Rulers Council? Nobody has done two tenures and the tenure of any chairman cannot be extended for one day.

" Is it because the Governor is from the same Obingwa with the  incumbent Chairman whose tenure has since expired? He has been in office for five years. He should be removed and another person appointed by the Governor in the spirit of equity.

" Eberechi Dick was appointed by Senator T. A Orji when he was Governor and he did not deny Abia South their turn. Why is it now that it is the turn of Abia Central to produce the chairman that Government is reluctant to dissolve the expired council."

His submission was applauded by many of the monarchs at the forum which was also attended by Eze Dick although he refused to comment on the matter.

A representative of the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs also failed to comment on the matter but only promised to deliver the message to his boss, Chief Christopher Enweremmadu.