One of the 12 monarchs suspended by Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra state has condemned the decision of the governor to suspend them for visiting President Muhammadu Buhari last week.
POLITIC NIGERIA reports that the state government, on Monday, suspended the traditional rulers for travelling out of the state to meet the President at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, without consultation or approval from the state government.
The affected monarchs are: Igwe Alex Edozieuno of Mkpunando; Igwe Mark Anthony Okonkwo of Alor; Igwe Chukuwma Bob Vincent Orji of Ezinifite; Igwe Engr G.B.C Mbakwe of Abacha; Igwe Chijioke Nwankwo of Nawfia and Igwe Nkeli Nelly of Igbariam.
Others were: Igwe Anthony Onyekwere of Owelle; Igwe A. N Onwuneme of Ikenga; Igwe Simon Ikechukwu Chidubem of Umumbo; Igwe S. O Uche of Ezira; Igwe Dr Emeka Ilouno of Ifitedunu and Igwe Peter Ikegbunem Udoji of Eziagulu Otu.
But in a statement on Thursday, one of the affected monarchs described the governor’s action as unfortunate, adding that he was ill-advised. He also said the decision to suspend them is unfortunate and laughable.
He said, “It’s unfortunate and laughable that our dear governor had to carry out this despotic action in a democratic dispensation.
“Why should a governor of a state punish his subjects, especially, traditional rulers, for trying to see their president?
“The government said we didn’t get clearance from it before travelling outside the state. Don’t we have our fundamental rights of movement and association any more? Are we in a state of emergency or war?
“We pray Obiano will not attract some kind of wrath upon himself because of his desperation to perpetuate the infamous government of the All Progressives Grand Alliance in the state.”
Stupid traditional rulers that doesn’t know the governor is their first choice before the president