One of the suspended traditional rulers in Anambra state, ask Governor Obiano for forgiveness

 

One of the 12 traditional rulers suspended by Anambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano, has asked the governor to forgive him.

Igwe MacAnthony Okonkwo, of Alor Community, Idemili South local government area of Anambra State, has apologized to Governor Obiano and the Anambra State Traditional Rulers’ Council for breaching their codes and conduct.

But others insist that the governor has no right to meddle in their fundamental rights in any way as custodians of the people

Okonkwo of Alor, was among the 12 traditional rulers suspended for one year by the state government for travelling to Abuja reportedly with Prince Arthur Eze, an international oil magnate

It said that the monarchs were suspended because they travelled outside the state without approval by the government.

But reacting at the weekend during a press conference in his palace, the Alor monarch admitted his wrong doing and tendered an “unreserved apology” to Obiano

              

He said, “It was a serious slip on my part not to have informed the government about the trip to Abuja before embarking on it. I therefore tender an unreserved apology”

Okonkwo denied the rumour that he was induced with money and gifts before agreeing to accompany Prince Eze to see President Buhari.

He said that the money he was seen counting was meant for his driver and other aides for their upkeep and wondered how somebody of his status who had made money before becoming a king would be accused of taking bribe.

“How can they call it bribe? What kind of bribe is that? That is total fallacy? I was counting out money for my driver and other aides for fuel and their welfare.

“I have never taken any bribes in my life from anybody. But if I wish to do, you have to pack Ghana-Must-Go bags of dollars up to 10 or 20, if I receive them, then you will be talking about bribe.”

“Secondly, Ndi Igwe do not have constitutional right to remove the governor or do anything to him. We are not lawmakers who have such constitutional rights” the monarch said

Another traditional ruler who prefer not to be named, said the governor has no constitutional power to suspend a traditional ruler.

He asked, “why would I apologize for going on a business trip? It is ridiculous for any one to think that a first class monarch will tender apology

He maintained that their visit to the Presidential Villa, was to commend president Buhari for the projects his government are carrying out in the state like “the Second Niger Bridge, the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway, Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway, among others.