Soludo Presents Certificates to Nsugbe, Adazi Nnukwu Monarchs

AWKA— Gov. Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra has presented certificates of recognition to the newly elected traditional rulers of Nsugbe and Adazi Nnukwu communities, charging them to promote peace, unity and development in their domains.

The governor presented the certificates to Igwe John Nzekwesili Nweke, Traditional Ruler of Nsugbe, and Igwe Aethelbirth Muoka, Traditional Ruler of Adazi Nnukwu, at The Light House, Awka.

The presentation marked the first recognition of traditional rulers by Soludo since the commencement of his second tenure, following the recognition of 12 traditional rulers during his first term.

Soludo said the emergence of the two monarchs followed due process, beginning with their respective communities and proceeding through the local government authorities before final approval by the state government.

He urged the monarchs to regard themselves as fathers to all members of their communities, irrespective of political differences, personal affiliations or whether individuals supported or opposed their emergence.

The governor acknowledged that opposition to authority was a long-standing feature of human society, but charged the new traditional rulers to work towards reconciliation and lasting peace.

“Permanent peace is a non-negotiable prerequisite for grassroots development,” Soludo said, urging the monarchs to make every effort to maintain peace within their respective domains.

Soludo also disclosed that the state government was working on a New Community Administration Law to provide a more structured framework for grassroots administration.

He said the existing arrangement, under which communities largely operate through voluntary town unions registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission, had contributed to rival factions and prolonged disputes over community leadership and traditional rulership.

According to him, unlike the Federal, state and local government structures, community administration under the present arrangement was vulnerable to factionalism because of its voluntary nature.

He said the proposed law would address the structural challenges and provide a more unified system of community administration capable of supporting development from the grassroots.

The governor called on existing traditional rulers to guide and support the newly recognised monarchs, stressing that organised and peaceful communities were essential to achieving sustainable development.

He expressed confidence that a bottom-up approach to development, supported by effective community administration, would help position Anambra communities for greater development and recognition.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Local Government and Community Affairs, Mr Ifeanyi Ezeaka, said the two monarchs emerged through a rigorous selection process and due process of law.

Ezeaka said the two were the first traditional rulers to receive certificates of recognition in Soludo’s second tenure, following the recognition of 12 traditional rulers during the governor’s first term.

The event was witnessed by the Chairman of the Anambra State Traditional Rulers’ Council, Igwe Chidubem Iweka, Presidents-General of the two communities and other stakeholders.

Speaking to journalists after the presentation, the newly recognised traditional rulers pledged to unite their people, promote peace and work for the development of their respective communities.