Abia Govt sets up panel to review emergence of some traditional rulers

An administrative panel of inquiry has been set up by the Abia State government to review the recognition and issuance of staff of office to some traditional rulers on May 9, 2023 by the last administration.

The panel which was inaugurated by Abia State Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Local Government Affairs, Uzo Nwachukwu, is headed by Magistrate Uche Uwanuakwa Uche (retd) as chairman while Chuka Agomo is to serve as secretary.

Other members of the panel include the chairman of Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers, HRH Eze Linus Nto Mba and the second deputy chairman of Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers, Eze Franklin Nwosu and Mr Dominic Chimbo.

Inaugurating the panel at the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in Umuahia, Abia State, Uzo Nwachukwu said its purpose was to look into litigations and problems happening in some communities in the state following the recognition and issuance of certificates of office to some traditional rulers.

According to the commissioner, the panel of inquiry is also tasked to find out why staff of office and certificates were allegedly handed over to two persons as traditional rulers.

The panel is equally to look into the allegations that some of those who received certificates and staff of office were not elected by their people, to be their kings.

Nwachukwu said that the panel has two months to conclude its assignment and submit its reports to the state government.

He advised the members of the administrative panel to carry out their jobs with integrity and cautioned them against victimising anybody in their assignments.

Responding to the commissioner’s charge, the chairman of the panel, Uche Uwanuakwa Uche, who spoke on behalf of the panel’s members, promised that they would do a diligent work.