…stages massive protest against Enugu commissioner
From Jude Chinedu, Enugu
The people of Mburubu in Nkanu East Local Government Area of Enugu State have called on Governor Peter Mbah to come to their aid over an alleged disruptive and anti-people actions by Prince Lawrence Ezeh, the serving Commissioner for Science and Technology in the state.
The Mburubu community made this call on Wednesday through a communique signed by 638 of its members drawn from the six villages that make up the community.
The communique was transmitted to the Commissioner for Local Government, Rural Development, and Chieftaincy Matters, Deacon Okey Ogbodo, during a protest by members of the community at the state secretariat in Enugu.
Members of the community had gathered at the secretariat accused the serving commissioner of using his cronies to institute a case against the state government over their traditional rulership issues.
Presenting the communique Chief Ogbodo, Prof. Alphonsus Njoku said they came to express their disappointment over how one of their sons, Prince Lawrence Ezeh, has been dealing with them.
He stated that they desire a new traditional ruler, using their 1976 constitution, which was used to elect their late Igwe, Chief Ogbuzuru Ezeh.
Addressing the community, Deacon Okey Ogbodo, thanked them for their peaceful manner in expressing their anger without violence, adding that the process of electing a new traditional ruler had already started.
“I wish to applaud you for your peaceful coordination and behavior. We have heard all your complaints and will work towards resolving all the issues raised.”
“Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah’s government honors the rule of law and order, and thus, we must work in line with the law. Your constitution is already gazetted by the ministry and is open for everybody to access.”
“On the issue of the court case, there is a suit against us from your town union. We will invite the town union, as they are the ones who drive the process of electing a new traditional ruler, to know those who sued the government, their numbers, reasons, and how to resolve it.”
“Even though it is wrong for the town union, which has been working with us, to take us to court without proper consultation, we are one, and as partners in progress, we need to sit at a round table to settle every issue.”
“Be rest assured that while we are trying to resolve this, we cannot allow any community to be held to ransom by any individual, group, or organization.”
“I urge you to continue to comport yourself in a peaceful manner and avoid chaos, which could cause infiltration of bad elements that could lead to more problems for your community and the state.”