There is ongoing controversy over which local government that will produce the next chairman of the Abia State Traditional Rulers Council which will become vacant soon. The Ikwuano Local Government Area of Abia state traditional rulers are insisting on being given the opportunity to produce the chairmanship of the Abia State Traditional Rulers Council which is presently occupied by the outgoing Eze Dr Eberechi Dick from Obingwa LGA.
HRM Eze Dick is about concluding his two terms of three years each on the revered Abia traditional council stool. Already, there is uncertainty over who will be appointed by the Governor Dr Okezie Ikpeazu to mount the traditional stool which is now a subject of heated debate in the state.
The tussle over the seat has pitched the Ikwuano-Umuahia extraction against the Ngwa people all in the Abia Central senatorial zone, with claims and counter claims becoming the order of the day. However, it is expected that the seat will go to Abia central, but the LGA that will take the shot is what that is generating controversy.
NewsCritic reports that while the Ngwa stock of Abia central which is already occupying the stool is jostling for the seat based on senatorial district level, their neighbours in Ikwuano-Umuahia are insisting that it is their turn based on the principles of equity which is in operation in the state.
Watchers of the traditional institution are of the view that it would be inappropriate for the Governor to appoint another Ngwa King to occupy the stool at the expiration of Eze Dick’s tenure, who incidentally is from the Governor Ikpeazu LGA of Obingwa.
“We know that our Governor is a lover of peace and Fairness and a beneficial of equity principles, so it is only proper that he allows the people of Ikwuano-Umuahia to succeed Eze Dick to give Ikwuano a sense of belonging, a concerned citizen said.
The argument being advanced by traditional rulers in Ikwuano-Umuahia is that the Abia traditional Stool having circulated round the three Senatorial Districts in the state, with Eze Bernard Enweremadu of Isiala-Ngwa North in Abia Central taking the first shot, that it is only reasonable that their brothers from Ikwuano-Umuahia divide should be considered this time the seat is coming to Abia central for the third time around.
As the controversy rages, Abians are watching with bated interest who will be appointed by Ikpeazu to ascend the throne.
