Soludo Annuls Monarch’s Election, Gives Arrest Order

The Governor of Anambra State, Chukwuma Soludo, has annulled an election held in the Oba community, located in Idemili South Local Government Area, to select a new traditional ruler.

This election was conducted to replace the late monarch, Igwe PC Ezenwa, who had passed away. However, the election was deemed illegal as it occurred while the matter was still under judicial review in a competent court.

Tony Collins Nwabunwanne, the Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Community Affairs, spoke on behalf of Governor Soludo, warning that anyone found claiming to have been elected in the disputed election and posing as the monarch or monarch-elect would be arrested.

He highlighted that this is a busy time for communities as many prepare for the Yuletide season with chieftaincy elections and titles. Nwabunwanne reminded community leaders that there are state-established guidelines for electing traditional rulers and presidents-general to maintain order and harmony.

He emphasized that while the government allows communities to choose their leaders, they must do so according to the community’s constitution and the state’s laws. Additionally, all communities are required to submit their constitutions to the Ministry of Local Government for verification. This will ensure that all elections are conducted lawfully and without disruption.

Explaining the annulment further, Nwabunwanne mentioned that one of the candidates for the Oba community’s traditional ruler position was disqualified because he could not speak fluently, even though the constitution only required candidates to be literate. He stated that the government’s role is to be neutral, and since the matter is still under litigation, no election could be valid at this time.

The commissioner reiterated that the government had annulled the election and would work closely with security agencies to arrest anyone pretending to be the newly elected monarch or monarch-elect.

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