FOLLOWING allegations of improper conduct against some traditional rulers in Abia State, the state government has set up a Board of Inquiry to investigate the matter.....CONTINUE READING
This move comes shortly after the suspension of Eze Kanu Nwa Kanu, the traditional ruler of Ibom Isii autonomous community in Arochukwu LGA, by the Abia State government over allegations of abuse of office.
The Board of Inquiry, chaired by Justice Igbo Akomas (Rtd) with Mrs Gold Dynoh serving as the Secretary, was inaugurated in Umuahia on Friday by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Uzor Nwachukwu.
The Commissioner outlined the terms of reference for the Board, which include summoning and interrogating all relevant traditional rulers, presenting recommendations to Governor Alex Otti, and evaluating appropriate sanctions. A deadline of three weeks was set for the submission of their findings.
Nwachukwu stressed that the government’s actions were aimed at upholding the integrity of the traditional institution in the State, denying any intention of witch-hunting individuals.
In response, the Chairman of the Board of Inquiry expressed gratitude for the assignment and affirmed their commitment to conducting the investigation in accordance with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The Board of Inquiry also includes members Eze Linus Mba, Eze Nelson Nmerengwa, and Mrs Nkechi Ikechi.
Eze Kanu’s suspension was communicated through a letter signed by Commissioner Nwachukwu, citing alleged abuse of office as the reason.
However, some of the suspended traditional ruler’s kinsmen and supporters have condemned the government’s actions, viewing the suspension as an interference in their culture. They staged a solidarity march to protest the suspension, claiming victimization of the monarch and asserting that he was not given a fair hearing.
