BY DAN OPARA
Some traditional rulers seeking staff of office from the Imo State government were abandoned today as they left the International Convention Centre, ICC dejected.
Reports said the Ezes elect who were also seeking for autonomy for their various communities and staff of office waited in vain as the State Governor, Rochas Okorocha who was to address them did not show up.
One of the Eze- elect told our correspondent on condition of anonymity that they have been severally abandoned whenever they are invited for such exercise.
Explaining the situation to newsmen, the Imo State Commissioner of Culture and Traditional Rulers, Chief Louis Duru said the Governor never intended to abandon the traditional rulers as he had an emergency meeting in Abuja.
“You can go home to your various communities, but the government shall notify you on the new date”. he said
The Commissioner appealed to them to remain calm, law abiding and be hopeful to benefit from the government in their plans that would lead to the creation of more autonomous Communities for the development of the rural areas in the state.
The Commissioner further expressed optimism that the Governor will address them immediately he returns Abuja.
In his remarks,, the Eze-Elect of Obosima Autonomous Community in Ohaji/Egbema LGA of Imo State,Chief Prince John Ngozi Onyeukwu thanked the Governor for his plans in ensuring that qualified communities who have no Traditional Ruler are given the most qualified person to rule. He appealed to the Governor to issue his community’s choice of leader the mantle of leadership.
He described himself as the most popular Ezeship candidate for the people of Obosima and that he remains the right choice for good ruler ship.