The Eziama Autonomous Community in the Isiala Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State said it believes in the rule of law as it awaits a court decision on its pending leadership crisis.

The community disclosed this in a statement jointly signed by the community’s President-General, Patrice Unogu, Women President, Gift Ehochi, and Youth President, Tochukwu Ekwegh,  on Saturday in Owerri.

The leaders stated that the community, historically and constitutionally identified as the Eziama Bond of Peace, comprises a peace-loving and progressive people, whose respect for the rule of law was not in doubt.

They also stated that the position of the president-general in the community, which has been a subject of litigation, is currently pending before the Imo High Court in Suit No. HMU/63/2024.

The leaders noted that any effort by an individual or group to preempt the court would amount to contempt, hence the need for the community members to avoid taking the law into their hands.

They said that the court would, among other things, establish if the traditional ruler had the right to disband a duly elected town union (Eziama Bond of Peace) and appoint a new president-general.

They stated, “The court is also expected to determine whether the traditional ruler has the right to change the name, ‘Eziama Bond of Peace,’ borne by the community for over 80 years on the grounds that it has become an autonomous communitym We appeal to the peace-loving people of the community to avoid taking the law into their hands, no matter the level of provocation.

“We call on the executive chairman of the LGA, the ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs and all law enforcement agencies in the state to please take note and help avert the looming communal crisis. We are peaceful leaders hence the need for this public complaint and information.”

The community is being rocked by leadership tussle, arising from the decision of the traditional ruler, Eze Ishmael Anyadiegwu, to appoint a new president-general when the incumbent, Patrice Unogu, had yet to complete his term in office.

Mr Unogu, who was initially elected for a four year term in April 2017, was returned unopposed for a second term in 2021. 

Prominent members of the community, however, rejected the appointment, describing it as “unconstitutional,  an aberration of democracy, rule of law” and an insult to the consciences of those who democratically voted a leader.
(NAN)