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By Madu Obi
The Anambra State government has opted for a fresh election in Azia, Ihiala local government area of Anambra State to elect a new traditional ruler for the community.
A section of the community recently protested at the Government House, Awka and demanded that the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Town Union Matters should conduct election for the 12 persons who had declared interest to occupy the stool which became vacant following the death of its former Monarch, Professor Titus Eze.
However, one of the aspirants, Chief Felix Ifeanyimuo described himself as the Igwe - elect, since he was the runner up to Eze when both contested the election before his death.
The development polarized the community, resulting in a protracted crisis and litigation.
As promised during the protest, the state government later set up of a panel of inquiry on the matter with a view to resolving the crisis.
In an interview in Awka, the state Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Mr. Tonycollins Nwabunwanne, said the state government has resolved to conduct a fresh election to produce the community's traditional ruler to end the tussle.
According to the Commissioner, the decision was taken after reviewing the panel’s report and the community's constitution.
He said that government was working out arrangements to conduct the election which, he said, could come up during the community's mass return and new yam festival in September.
While appealing to members of the community to remain peaceful, the Commissioner urged all the parties to eschew violence and wait patiently for the election.
He expressed the state government’s commitment to ensure a transparent and unbiased election, stating that measures have also been put in place to maintain law and order during the exercise.
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