It was an uneasy section at Ekinigbo clan, in Obio/Akpor LGA of Rivers State, following the briefing by His Royal Majesty Eze Sir. Amb S. N. Wali JP of Apara Kingdom over the weekend and the reactions of some stakeholders as regards the development.
Speaking with The Newswriter at a youth gathering in Rumuigbo, Apost. Samuel Owhunda, a stakeholder in the clan, said he has deployed all possible means that are within his each to bring about peace and stability in the community.
Owhonda maintained that he has urged the people of Ekinigbo, particularly the youths to disassociate themselves from mixing politics with their community maters.
He wondered why a clan that first bought a costly car for their royal majesty, built a story building, town hall, among others and have been emulated by others in Apara kingdom, should now allow politics to destroy the legacy that they have long built for themselves.
Samuel who urged the youths to identify with any political party of their voice, added that they should not allow such interest to override that of the community, but to always see the community affairs as paramount in everything they do.
In his contribution, Comrade Dele Egeonu, the President General of Ekinigbo youth council opined that the issue at stake has noting to do with politics, but purely traditional.
Dele disclosed that their gathering was as a result of the clan council meeting that holds second Saturday of every month, which incidentally was the first sitting of the newly constituted clan council chiefs by HRM Eze Wali, following the dissolution of his former council chiefs.
Dele pointed out that those chiefs indicted to have planned to element the paramount ruler are yet to exporate themselves from matter as customs demanded despite the lengthy time that was given to them.
The youth president was of the view that HRH Eze C. A. Amadi Wodo, the paramount ruler of Ekinigbo clan, who among others in the clan council that were dissolved by the HRM Eze Wali should remain dissolved as their priority is to ensure that they give their unflinching support to the majesty.
Both Dele and Victor Amuehule, the secretary of Ekinigbo clan council who shared same view on the issue, maintained that Ekinigbo is not a political party, but a major clan in Apara kingdom, Rivers State.
While Mr. Chekile Orlu, Personal Assistant to the Chief of Staff, government House, Chief Hon. Tony Okocha said he has advised the youths of the community to remain calm, adding that merging politics with community affairs has always been the bone of contention in the community.
Orlu maintained that they will remain resolute as subjects to the Chief of Staff and the Executive Governor of the state, Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi, the PDP political leader of the state and commended him for the peace that is gradually returning to the state. ###
Blaise Elumezie
