THE RECALLED ROYAL FATHERS, OTHERS
The
last time I checked, seven out of the ten suspended traditional rulers in Imo
state had been reinstated by the state governor, Chief Rochas Okorocha. The
gesture was made known to the public penultimate week, precisely on Wednesday
26th October 2016. The names of the beneficiaries are: Eze Ben
Nwaneri of Owubinubi Autonomous Comm. in Ikeduru LGA; Eze Clifford Amadi of
Amawuihe Comm. in Mbaitolu LGA; Eze Chinedu Osuebi of Azara Obiato Comm. also
in Mbaitolu LGA; Eze D.O. Izim of Umunkwo Comm. in Isiala-Mbano LGA; Eze A.E.
Durueburuo of Okwudo Comm. in Njaba LGA; Eze V.O. Ahamefule of Oboro-Amurie
Comm. in Isu LGA; and Eze Innocent Ikejiofor of Amandugba Comm. equally in Isu
LGA.
It’s noteworthy that, the other three
royal fathers to include Eze Reginald Obetiti of Nguru Autonomous Community in
Aboh-mbaise LGA, Eze Akujuobi Osuagwu of Awaka Community in Owerri-North LGA,
and Eze Ugonna Iriele of Ogberuru Community in Orlu LGA, remain suspended till
further notice.
It was gathered that the reinstatement
was informed by the unalloyed apology tendered to the governor by the affected
traditional custodians. Suffice it to say that the three others whom are yet to
be recalled couldn’t tender any apology to the number one citizen, or that
their apologies, if any, were yet to be considered.
It would be recalled that few months
ago, July 2016 to be precise, the ten traditional rulers were indefinitely
suspended by the state governor, alleging that they were guilty of partisan
politics, indiscipline and rebellion. Though we weren’t told what exactly they
did, the report had it that they participated in active and partisan politics
which was against the constitution binding their confraternity.
The statement therein ordered the
Commissioner for Community Government Council (CGC) and Traditional Institution
to retrieve their ‘ezeship’ certificates and staffs of office without further
delay. Since then, the affected royal fathers ceased to be addressed as
‘Traditional Rulers’ by any of their subjects or anyone whatsoever, not until
penultimate week when the governor thought it wise to release seven of them
from the prolonged bondage.
Like
I earlier stated in the piece I did the moment the royal fathers were
outrightly suspended, what didn’t augur well for my person was the aspect of
not minding to notify the imolites, and of course the general public, the
actual wrongdoing the alleged deviants were involved in. at least, that would
have ease tension among the overall populace, the members of the affected
autonomous communities in particular.
In the best interest of the state at
large, Imolites would have loved to be intimated on what really transpired that
was at the expense of the aforesaid law coupled with the wellbeing of the
state. it’s understandable that most of these supposed royal fathers have
resorted to indulging themselves in institutional politics, which is completely
contrary to their calling, but it would have been wise for the government to
tell us where, when, and how they were allegedly found guilty.
However, since it has been claimed that some
of them tendered unreserved apology, there is no need trying to ascertain if
they were truly guilty of the allegation. But if the seven rescued royal
fathers never submitted any apology, then I smell something fishy, because I
see no reason the ‘amnesty’ granted to them should be one-sided. The other
three cannot be left out if the rescued seven didn’t tender any apology as
claimed.
Come to think of it; if the rescued
seven actually apologized as we were told, why did the other three find it
difficult to follow suit? One question too many, I presume. Two things are
apparently involved for not borrowing a leaf from their counterparts: it’s
either they are egoistic, or they saw no reason they should apologize to the
governor. If the latter was the case, then I tell you unequivocally that the
rescued seven equally saw no reason they should apologize, but rather decided
to do otherwise just to regain their freedom. If you have tasted bondage or
isolation before, you would know that it pays to sacrifice anything within your
reach in order to be free again. Read my lips.
Now, I want to play the role of a
mediator. I am not in any way happy that the other three are still ostracized,
especially acknowledging that their counterparts have regained their freedom.
In view of this, I would want the governor to play the role of a father just
for peace to reign, and most importantly for the interest of the state at
large. There’s no need hiding the fact that no governor or president, as the
case may be, would strive successfully if he is in faceoff with the traditional
rulers.
Royal fathers are undoubtedly the bedrock
of nay societal development, because they are like the building blocks on which
a structure is built. If the grassroots are porous, the entire structure can
never hold water. And that implies that the building is liable to collapse at
any time. Let’s not get it twisted; the governor needs the overall traditional
rulers to function effectively and efficiently, especially now we are concerned
about returning to agriculture. This is the reason I’m deeply touched that
since the governor came on board as the state’s Chief Executive Officer, he had
never had it so good with the entire royal fathers. He really needs to redress
this loophole in earnest before it gets out of hand.
Meanwhile, the royal fathers on their
part must as well sit up. I urge them to gather their acts together and perform
actively as one indivisible body; enough of this socio-cultural divide. Don’t
indulge yourselves in something that would tarnish the image of your empire.
Thousands of people invariably look up to your person, so do not abuse that
rare honour. Do something that would bring glory to your generation yet unborn,
and not something that would break you into pieces. Don’t forget; you need the
people’s cheer, not jeer. Think about it!
Comr. Fred Doc Nwaozor
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