The kinsmen of former Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige, in Alor, Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State have protested a pronouncement by the state government stopping its monarch, Igwe MacAnthony Okonkwo from parading himself as one of the recognised traditional rulers.

The state government had through a letter by the Attorney General of the state, Mrs. Chika Ifemeje, called on the traditional ruler to cease parading himself as traditional ruler.

Indigenes of the community, under the aegis of Concerned Citizens of Alor community, who addressed a press conference at the Anambra NUJ secretariat in Awka, the state capital, said some indigenes of the community were fomenting trouble to get at the monarch.

Spokesperson of the group, Rev. Innocent Peace-Udochukwu, said the community is peaceful, save for few people who he described as disgruntled elements.

“It should be known that the court cases are still ongoing, including that of the Appeal Court of which no ruling had been made.

“We’re using this medium to call on the court to fairly and expeditiously resolve this matter, and we urge all members of our community and indeed, friends of Ndi-Alor to reject the misinformation being spread and to support our monarch during this challenging time.

“This conflict has deep roots, dating back to about nine years. And it’s driven by a small group of individuals who seek to gain power and influence by sowing seeds of division and discrediting the monarch despite every effort being made to reach a peaceful resolution to the unwarranted crisis.

“Their selfish actions are disrespectful to the community and its rich history, and undermine the stability and prosperity of the community as a whole,” he said. (THISDAY)