The All Progressives Congress (APC); All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and Anambra State government are in battle of words over the suspension of the traditional ruler of Ukwulu, Igwe Peter Uyanwa.
APC also called on the Federal Government and Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate the disbursement of local government funds in state.
Its Acting Chairman Basil Ejidike yesterday said the Governor Willie Obiano government had become a disaster.
He said: “Governor Obiano’s handling of the traditional institution is worrisome. He is strangulating our traditional institutions to dance to his whims and caprices. As a people of culture, our traditional institutions and rulers are sacrosanct and should be treated as such.
“The recent imbroglio between the government and some monarchs points to this fact. The governor is already playing Anambra 2021 politics when he should concentrate on governance. This is a time for serious governance and not to play politics; dragging our monarchs into this is worrisome.
“The recent suspension and withdrawal of Certificate of Recognition of Igwe Peter Uyanwa (Ezedike) is another ploy to muscle down traditional rulers in Anambra State.”
But Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment C. Don-Adinuba said the monarch had gone beyond his limits which led to his suspension.
He said the government’s decision on the matter was final, adding that the same monarch was taken to court by his own people for alleged land grabbing. The king is also battling some other court processes from the Federal Government, he added.
The commissioner praised the state for being the first to invite the EFCC to investigate its administration which, according to him, was rare
He described APC’s calling of Obiano’s administration a failure as ‘ridiculous’ saying the government does not owe salary or pensions.