By Brown Chimezie
Igwe-in-Council of Ishienu-Amofu Nkerefi, Nkanu East Local Government Area of Enugu State, has dissociated itself from what it termed the purported Igwe election of February 4, where Christian Agu (Christag) emerged as Igwe.
In a public announcement signed by its Secretary, Benedict Ogbu, and Public Relations Officer, Vincent Egbo, respectively, the council argued that organisers of the election acted without the approval of the council, the community, and the Enugu State Ministry of Chieftaincy Affairs.
It also said that due to this, the election was null and void, and the original date fixed for the election of March 30 remained valid.
According to the announcement: “This is to announce to the public, and indeed, the good people of Ishienu Amofu, Nkerefi, in Nkanu East Local Government Area, that the Igwe-in-council clearly dissociates itself from the purported Igwe election which took place on February 4, 2024.
“We noted with concern that the purported election was against the spirit and letters of Ishienu Amofu, Nkerefi community’s constitution of 2004.
“The said election was held without any official of the Ministry of Chieftaincy Affairs in attendance and in total disregard of March 30, 2024 date given by the Ministry of Chieftaincy Affairs for the election.
“We further wish to inform the public that Ishienu Amofu Nkerefi community has not elected anybody as a new Igwe, and hereby, urge them to disregard anyone parading himself as Igwe-elect.
“We, therefore, reiterate that we stand on March 30, 2024, as approved by Enugu State Commissioner for Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development.”