By Okechukwu Onuegbu
The crowned Traditional Ruler of Amanuke, Awka North LGA, Igwe Dennis Ezebuilo, has appealed to his subjects to remain peaceful and united in their course to develop the community.
Ezebuilo, who spoke in a telephone interview in a party thrown by his subjects to celebrate his triumphant return from the police custody, said he would continue being peaceful and lovely to all despite the challenges.
"I am a man of peace. My charge to all Amanuke people is to remain peaceful and love one another. Don't take laws into your hands. Peace brings progress. Love one another. This is what would give us development," he stated.
The monarch also reiterated his resolve to ensure that the community is developed, adding that the subjects would henceforth enjoy security and other basic amenities throughout his reign and beyond.
Speaking at the occasion, a 95-year-old man, Chief Nweke Oyemezie, and his fellow Otochalu (group of oldest men in Amanuke), assured their support to Dennis, whom they insisted was duly cronwed.
Oyemezie also insisted that HRH Igwe Alphonsus Ezebuilo was certified by the state government remained unacceptable to them, and appealed to governor Willie Obiano to quickly withdraw his certificate of recognition and transfer same to Dennis.
On his part, Pastor Hycient Okafor, while commending judiciary for granting their crowned Igwe Dennis freedom from police custody, described him as a God sent, and asked those fighting him to desist or face the wrath of God.
On their parts, women leaders, Mrs Rosaline Emeka, Mrs Gladys Enemou and 85 year old woman, Mrs Ugodia Ananwude, maintained that their support for the crowned monarch was overwhelming because he was chosen and loved by all.
Contributing, a titled Chief from the community, Chief Daniel Obike and the former Deputy President General of Amanuke, Mr Augustine Ejiofor, reiterated that the Community was suffering as a result of denial of Dennis certificate of recontion.
Ejiofor further accused some prominent people of the community of allegedly masterminding issuance of certificate to Igwe Alphonsus against the wishes of the populace.
"Amanuke people are suffering and want freedom from oppressions. Our constitution said that no person can hijack the Affairs of Amanuke but one or few persons are doing that. And whenever we write petitions against their excesses to Obiano, they will lie to the government that we are sabotaging or fighting the government. But we are not fighting the Obiano government. All we are demanding is that our Igwe should be duly certified," he stated.