Gov. Willie Obiano of Anambra has withdrawn the certificates of appointment of three traditional rulers, while reinstating five others in the state.
The Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Chief Greg Obi, announced the governor’s action in a statement on Friday in Awka.
He said that governor acted in line with the powers vested on him by the Anambra State Traditional Rulers Law, 2007.
Obi said that the traditional rulers, whose certificates of appointment were withdrawn, included Igwe Chijioke Nwankwo of Nawfia Town, Igwe Anthony Onyekwere of Owelle and Igwe G. B. C. Mbakwe of Abacha.
He said that the governor had also lifted the suspension slammed on Igwe Simon Chidibem of Umumbo, Igwe A. N. Onwuneme of Ikenga, Igwe Mark Anthony Okonkwo of Alor, Igwe Chukwuma Orji of Ezinifite and Igwe S.O. Obiora of Ezira.
Obi said the dethronement or reinstatement of the affected traditional rulers was with immediate effect.
The commissioner said that the state government was also reviewing the suspension placed on Igwe Kelly Nkeli of Igbariam, Igwe Emeka Iluno of Ifitedunu and Igwe Peter Uyanwa of Ukwulu.
Obi said all the removed traditional rulers had one month to submit their certificates of appointment to the Secretary of the Local Government of their respective communities from the day of the announcement.
It would be recalled that the Anambra State Government on Aug. 11, 2020 suspended 12 traditional rulers for alleged gross misconduct.
Obi, who then announced the suspension, directed that the suspended traditional rulers should henceforth cease to function as traditional rulers in their communities or anywhere across the state.
“This sanction may be lifted at the end of one year or renewed or upgraded in the intervening period, depending on government’s review of your conduct.
“By this sanction, their membership of Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council is, hereby, revoked; also, any appointment in other government committee is, hereby, rescinded,” he said.
