*As Five Traditional Rulers In Owerri Confer Chieftaincy Title On Him
Former Majority Leader of Imo State House of Assembly, High Chief (Hon) Lugard Osuji, has said Owerri people will not return to the past era, where the five Communities are not autonomous.
He said rather, the people of Owerri are benefiting immensely from the creation of five autonomous communities in Owerri Municipal.
Osuji, who spoke after he was conferred with the title of Akajiudo by the five traditional rulers in Owerre, said Owerri people will not go back to Egypt, because they are more united and happier now, than when there were no autonomous status for the communities.
Osuji, who facilitated the recommendation and recognition of these autonomous communities, when he represented Owerri Municipal State constituency from 2015- 2019, said those kicking against the creation of autonomous communities in Owerri, are selfish and opposed to the progress of Owerri people.
He said “Those who are against it are being selfish. There is peace in Owerri and the people are even more united now than before, courtesy of the autonomous status of the various communities in Owerri.
“In the past, we had one traditional ruler,now we have five of them, which is good for the development of the people. The benefits of the autonomous communities in Oweri are numerous.
Osuji added that the demand for the creation of autonomous communities in Owerri began before he was elected by his people to represent them at the Imo State House of Assembly.
“I did not start the agitations. It began even before I came to the House in 2015. There were plebiscites conducted in the past where the people demanded for autonomous communities.
“I only facilitated it before the House and convinced my colleagues to support it, which they did, because they saw good reasons with me.
“I also give kudos to former Governor of Imo State, now Senator, Rochas Okorocha for signing and issuing certificate of recognition to the five traditional rulers of the autonomous communities in Owerri Municipal.
Osuji said there are numerous benefits for the people of Owerri, since the autonomous communities came on board.
He said “In the past, benefits such as government palliatives which used to come as one to Owerri Municipal, now comes five, because we have now five autonomous communities.
Osuji said “For instance, the recent Covid 19 palliatives shared to Owerri Municipal by Governor Uzodimma, the five communities benefited.
“I m pleading with Governor Uzodimma to share future Palliatives to the 12 areas that make up Owerri municipal, which is five autonomous communities and 7 administrative areas for the non Indigenes” Osuji stated
He said the non Indigenes residing in Owerri Municipal also benefited from the autonomous status of Oweri, because Administrative Areas were created for them.
“Administrative Areas were created for the non indigenes. These non Indigenes are part of us because some of them were born here. They need to be fully integrated amongst the Indigenes because they have come here to stay” he said.
The five traditional rulers, who are celebrating five years on the throne had conferred Osuji with the title of Akajiudo 1 of Owerri, in recognition and appreciation of his outstanding role in ensuring the creation of autonomous communities in Owerri.
Speaking on behalf of the five traditional rulers, Eze Clinton Roland Igbebulam of Umuororonjo community, described Hon Osuji as a worthy son of Owerre, stating that the the title conferred on him is to demonstrate the gratitude of the people of Owerri to him for facilitating the creation of the autonomous communities in Owerri.
“You are a son in whom we are well pleased. We are grateful to you for your efforts which led to the creation of autonomous communities in Owerri” he said
The event was witnessed by eminent personalities including Prof Amaobi Uwaleke, traditional ruler of Obibi Uratta autonomous community in Owerri North Local Government Area, President Generals, PG of the five communities in Owerri, political associates, friends, and well wishers.