ELECHI DETHRONES 4 TRADITIONAL RULERS

Governor Martin Elechi of Ebonyi state has dethroned four traditional rulers in Ishielu local government of the state for allegedly sabotaging the efforts of government from reclaiming the Nigeria Cement Company (NIGERCEM) Nkalagu.

The affected traditional rulers include; HRH Eze Mathias Nnaji of Nkalagu; HRH Eze Michael Egbo of Amaezu community; Prince Benjamin Onwa, Regent of Umuhuali community and Prince  Augustine Okwor, regent of Nkalaha community.
The governor alleged that the traditional rulers colluded with Ibeto group to disparage the state government and sabotage its efforts to stem the organized decimation of Nigercem.

In a release signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor Dr. Onyekachi Eni directed the deposed traditional rulers to immediately vacate their stools and cease to represent or parade themselves as the traditional rulers of the affected communities.
The statement also ordered the affected rulers to handover without fail, their respective certificate of recongnition and staff of office as traditional rulers to the chairman of Ishielu council area within 48 hours for onward transmission to the Ministry of local government, Chieftaincy Matters and Rural Development.

The statement reads in parts: “The Governor of Ebonyi State, His Excellency, Chief Martin Elechi, CON, has noted with regret and embarrassment the attempt by some traditional rulers in Ishielu Local Government Area to sabotage the efforts of the State Government to reclaim Nigercem from economic invaders masquerading as cement manufacturers”.

“In 2009, the state government revoked the certificate of occupancy of the company on account of which the Eastern Bulkcem Co Ltd dragged the State Government to the Federal High court, first in Enugu, and later in Abakaliki. Among other decisions, the Federal High Court declined to nullify the state Government’s revocation of the C of O on Nigercem as prayed by the core-investor.”

Source: Leadership