— Urge those involved to borrow a leaf from Umuoree Nweorie
— Commend their maturity
The clamour for the creation of new autonomous communities in Imo State has continued to generate anxiety among competing groups across different communities.
Speaking with this reporter, a community leader in Imo, Chief Godwin Ofoegbu, advised those clamouring for new autonomous communities to do so without heating up the polity. He commended the Umuoree Nweorie people for the maturity they have displayed in their pursuit of a new autonomous community.
Also speaking in the same vein, Lady Joy Ihejiagwa, the Vice President of Imo Women in Lagos, noted that there is nothing wrong with clamouring for autonomous communities, as such developments bring governance closer to the people through recognition of such community by the State government.
Reliable government sources informed our correspondent that many communities seeking autonomy are currently in court over disputes concerning who should become the traditional ruler of their respective communities.
New facts have emerged indicating that the government has suspended the creation of new autonomous communities due to communal conflicts and other forms of violence among different groups within the affected communities.
The only community which request for approval has received widespread commendation is Umuoree Nweorie in Ezinihitte Mbaise, where the community elders, titled men, and youths have exhibited a high level of tolerance, maintaining peace and order and appearing to be united in their pursuit. It has been revealed that the government is seriously considering granting full autonomy to Umuoree Nweorie and another community in Ohaji/Egbema.
As at the time of filing this report, the two communities have been cleared, and their designated Eze-elects have been confirmed by their respective communities.
