-Imo Govt. accused of political intolerance
There are mixed reactions among traditional rulers, particularly from Orlu Zone, following the suspension of a prominent monarch for conferring a chieftaincy title on the National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Samuel Nnaemeka Anyanwu (Samdaddy), who represented Owerri Zone in the Red Chamber of the National Assembly.
A traditional ruler who spoke to this reporter on condition of anonymity said, “Governor Uzodimma wants to be the only cock that crows. If not, why did he suspend a recognized traditional ruler from Orlu Zone simply because he conferred a chieftaincy title on a member of an opposition political party who has impacted positively on the people?
“Besides, the governor did not at any time tell us not to confer chieftaincy titles on those we consider worthy of such recognition. Hence, we consider this development very worrisome. It had been speculated that Governor Uzodimma is intolerant; this particular incident appears to confirm that notion beyond doubt.”
He also recalled how Senator Ifeanyi Ararume was allegedly frustrated out of becoming Chairman of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) and other positions that would have come to Imo State.
“The governor should not be the only cock that crows. After all, his tenure will soon elapse and there will be a successor,” he added.
Recall that last month, a prominent traditional ruler, who is also an executive member of the Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers, conferred a chieftaincy title on the former Senator for Imo East Senatorial District and current PDP National Secretary during his coronation anniversary celebration. It was gathered that shortly after the event, the monarch was issued a letter of suspension.
Efforts to reach the concerned traditional ruler for comment were unsuccessful, as he did not respond to calls made to his phone.
