One of the promises made to the people of Imo State by Chief Anayo Rochas Okorocha at the inception of his administration was to restore peace and order among communities of the state.
In order to achieve the feat, the state governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha appointed Engr. Peter Ohagwa as his Personal Assistant (PA) on Peace and Conflict Resolutions, who took over the responsibility prior to the recognition of the 103 Ezes that took place in the state.
While presenting the staff of office and certificate of recognition to those that completed all the processes according to the governor, at the Government House, Owerri, Imo State, Okorocha described himself as the governor of all the political parties in the state and charged the Ezes to be the same to all their supporters and non supports in the course of the traditional stool race in their respective localities.
Presenting his maiden address to the people of Uworie Autonomous Community-Agwa in Oguta LGA of Imo State, HRH Eze Dr. Albanus Onyemaechi Ozuruoha, the newly recognized traditional ruler of the community, who took over from late HRH Eze Ejimaduekwu Ifi, the Oguehi 1 of Uworie-Agwa Autonomous Community, described the circumstances that lead to his emergence as “No victor no vanquish”.
HRH Ozuruoha, Eze Chinyereugo 1 of Uworie Agwa Autonomous Community, told the cheering crowd that his acceptance of the kingship was borne out of his desire for peace in the community, affirming that his reign can never sacrifice or subvert justice on the alter of money.
He urged all and sundry in the community to accept responsibility of the crisis that has rocked the community over the years and to work together as a people to chart a new course for the development and sustainability of the area.
The paramount ruler, who said his reign will kick start with empowerment programmes, particularly for the youths of his community, assured the people that his rulership will serve as a divine providence that will bring back the developmental opportunities that have eluded them in the past.
Eze Chinyereugo in the meantime, commended all those that played one role or the other in the actualization of their common struggle, particularly the Catholic Charismatic of Nigeria, Enugu branch, for their continued intercessions and Hon. Kanma Nwauwa, for his peace initiative that has brought Umukpo, thus far.
Speaking with The Newswriter, HRH Eze (Hon.) Chima H. Azubuike, Ohanyere 1 of Uba Agwa Autonomous Community, Oguta LGA, lauded the state governor, Chief Okorocha, for making such dream a reality. He enjoined Eze Chinyereugo 1, to carry the people of his community along, adding that Ozuruoha’s membership of the traditional rulers’ council of the LGA and state will afford him the opportunities to get used to what the institution is all about, as time progresses.
In his view, Hon. Ethelbert Nnanna, a former member of the State House of Assembly, expressed gratitude that the peace which he has been fostering in Uworie Community has come to stay, adding that the presence of a Royal Highness in the community will speed up every other move to sustain peace and development in the community.
He noted emphatically that Sterling Global Oil Company must be brought to pay for the injustices and damages that they caused the people of Umukpo, Uworie Autonomous Community and urged Eze Dr. Ozuruoha to embrace all the oppositions in the community.
While Hon. Maximian Okedu, former chairman of Oguta LGA, Imo State and PDP chairman, Oguta LGA, who is an indigene of the community described the 31st March, 2014 as a day of celebration, adding that rotation was the best option for the kingship position in the community, pointing out that the foremost traditional ruler of the community was brought to power through election.
Speaking at the event, Chief Anthony A. Elumezie, a two time chairman of Umukpo town Union, Agwa, Oguta LGA and the foremost chairman of the Four Tier Government in Uworie Community, disclosed that the peace initiative of the Eze in council; which was on going before his official recognition, will continue in the community, to ensure total peace.
Others that spoke at the event include: Chief Christian Onwusor, the Traditional Prime Minister of the community, Chief Ailbe Anyanwu, foremost Supervisory Councilor for Education in the old Ohaji/Egbema/Oguta LGA of Imo State, Hon. Kenneth Amajuoyi, two time Councillor that represented Uworie ward, Hon. Chief Hassan Nwauwa (Onwa) of Izombe, Dr. Tony Ohah and William Ejiakor (Willy Bassey) among others, were optimistic that Umukpo will bounce back to the night life which she is known for in Agwa, as “Ghana people”. ###
Blaise Elumezie
