Enugu community passes vote of confidence on tradition ruler

Residents of Agu-Umabor in Eha-Alumona of Nsukka local government area of the Enugu state have passed a vote of confidence on their traditional ruler, Igwe Kevin Mamah.

No fewer than 150 members from the community comprising men, women and youths stated this during a protest march to the council secretariat yesterday where they presented a letter of vote of confidence to the council chairman, Prof. Rose Onah, stating that the traditional ruler had performed creditably well.

The placards carried by protesters read: ‘We say no to John Asogwa and his gang’ and ‘Law enforcement agents save us from people trying to take over our community.’

Mr. Damian Ugwuoke who spoke on behalf of elders of the community said since the traditional ruler was installed he had brought peace, unity and progress to the community, describing few misguided youths led by one John Asogwa who called for the monarch’s removal as enemies of progress of the community.

“The community members are here today to tell the whole world that men, women and youths of Agu-Umuabor have absolute confidence on Mamah because he has brought peace, unity and development to the community.

“The entire people of Agu-Umuabor, elders and town union are in support of the traditional ruler,” he said.
A woman, Mrs. Gladis Aleke who spoke unbehalf of the women in the community said they would continue to support the traditional ruler because he has the support of the community.

“Some people are causing problems in the community because they hate peace as they make money when there is violence,
“Our Igwe is good whatever that is given to the community by government he will ensure it’s shared equitably.
“All the women in the community have confidence on Mamah and will continue to support him,” she said.

Mr. Akunna Abonyi, the youth leader of the community said Asogwa does not belong to youth association of Agu Umuabor but he goes about causing problems as well as parading himself as youth leader.

“The youths of Agu-Unuabor are happy and satisfied on how Igwe Mamah is ruling our community.

“Asogwa is not the youth leader of our community as he is not even a registered member of Agu-Umuabor Youth Association,” he said.

Addressing the protesters Onah commended them for their peaceful protest and urged them to remain calm adding that government would not allow few individuals to disrupt the peace and unity of the community.

“I thank you all for the peaceful protest and urge you to remain calm as government will ensure that all causing problem in the community will be brought to justice,” she said

The protesters also presented their letter to Nsukka Police Area Command office and State Security Service Nsukka office.

In an interview with Daily Times, Mamah who was in the company of the protesters urged law enforcement agencies to arrest and interrogate Asogwa who has been going around causing problems and by trying to stir people against leaders of the community.

“Asogwa is telling some people that they should not take order from me that he will remove me as traditional ruler and take over the leadership of the community.

“Most times he went to other communities and bring boys to carry protest against me.

“Asowa should be arrested before he caused more trouble in Agu-Umuabor,” he said.

Efforts made by our Correspondent to get comments from Asogwa proved abortive.