By CHARLES IWUOHA

Indigenes of Nkomoro autonomous community in Ezza North local government area of Ebonyi state, on Monday protested against the forceful imposition of Barrister Jacob Nwakpa as Monarch-elect of the community.

The community in one accord defied Monday morning’s heavy downpour demonstrated with various inscription of placards boldly written; ‘Nkomoro community have never benefited from Jacob Nwakpa” “Nkomoro traditional stool is not for sale, “Jacob Nwakpa is not our Choice among others.

Briefing Journalists after the protest, Nkomoro Youth Assembly national president, Mr Peter Agbom, and acting town union president, Mr Obiora Ezaka stated that the acclaimed Monarch-elect was not elected by the people, hence, would not rule them as their traditional ruler.

They said: “We appreciate and respect His Excellency, Rt Hon Francis Nwifuru, the indefatigable governor of Ebonyi State, for his political dexterity and maturity in dousing the political intrigues, tension, and bickering in the Local government elections in the State.

“The amicable resolution and balancing of competing interests is a further testimony to the governor’s wisdom and fatherly disposition.

“No doubt, onwa Oferekpe has bestowed Ebonyians with great hope for the future while delivering immediate dividends of good governance to last till that future. We salute his efforts and pledge total commitment to his administration.

“That we reject in the strongest terms the attempted and remotely manipulated efforts to impose a traditional ruler on Nkomoro by external elements, masterminded by Nwakpa Ikpenyi’s family.

“That at no place, time or forum within any inch of Nkomoro land that Barrister Jacob Nwakpa was nominated or elected as (Ezeogo) meaning king of Nkomoro Community.

“It is strange and an affront on the integrity of the Judicial system that Mr. Chikodili Nomeh would assume authority (under the guise of Ebonyi State House of Assembly Committee) to pass a resolution over a matter pending in court without regard to a subsisting order of court restraining parties to maintain the status quo.

“We reinstate our trust in the ongoing judicial process while we vehemently refuse and would resist any further attempt to impose a traditional ruler upon the good people of Nkomoro without a free and transparent election guided in a participatory process.

“Therefore, we call on all men of goodwill to join us in partnership to enthrone and maintain peace in Nkomoro Community.

However, some of the aspirants, Mr Joseph Ogayi, a retired police officer, and prophet Igwe Cletus who spoke, explained that all contestants are of Oriuzor kindred and appealed to Ebonyi state government to visit the community and conduct free and fair election for the interest of the state and the community.

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