The people of Egwu Achi community in Oji River local government area of Enugu state have appealed to Governor Sullivan Chime to remove and possibly prosecute their traditional ruler, Igwe Victor Meniru, over alleged impersonation and vandalism of property belonging to the community.
They made the call yesterday when they staged a peaceful demonstration at the Government House, Enugu, regretting that the government imposed the Igwe on them instead of allowing them to elect their choice.
Spokesman for the community and President of the town Union, Mr. Okechukwu Onwuka, who made the call, alleged that sincehe assumed the title of Igwe Meniru, he had unleashed a reign of terror on the community using hoodlums and thugs to intimidate anyone who dared to oppose him.
Onwuka said the traditional ruler, who, according to him, is based in Abuja, used the same hoodlums to vandalise public property at Egwu Achi in order to punish the people for their refusal to accept him as their ruler.
“Igwe’ Meniru comes to the community sparingly and unleashes mayhem on the people and locks up some of his perceived enemies,” he said.
He lamented that the two 500KVA transformers provided to the community by the state government was seized by the Igwe, claiming that they were attracted by a politician in the area.
Onwuka, therefore, appealed to the governor to investigate the activities of the self-made Igwe with a view to withdrawing his certificate of recognition which was erroneously given to him.
Responding, on behalf of the governor, the commissioner for Human Capital Development and Poverty Allocation, Mr. Godwin Ogenyi, urged the people to remain law-abiding and employ dialogue in dealing with their grievances.
According to him, the administration was ready to provide security and ensure peaceful co-existence amongst the people.
He added that development could thrive in an atmosphere of peace and security, and assured them that government would look into their grievances with a view to resolving them amicably.
