Anambra Govt’ Cancels Traditional Ruler Election Awa Town
The Anambra government had cancelled the election to produce a traditional ruler in Awa Community, Orumba North Local Government Area which was scheduled for Feb. 13.
The order stopping the election was contained in a letter by the Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs to Mr Ray Ofor, the President General of Awa Community.
In the cancellation letter dated Feb. 12 and signed by Mr Henry Nwasike the Public Relations Officer of the Ministry on behalf of the Commissioner, the state government said the order was equel to new facts before it.
According Nwasike, “I am directed to refer to your letter on the above subject matter dated Jan.18, 2021 and to convey to you the state Government decision that the said election scheduled for the Feb.13 has been cancelled.
“The cancellation is necessitated by series of documented information before the State Government which, if not critically examined and addressed before the election, can lead to problems and security issues in the Community.
“In view of this, all parties concerned are to be guided accordingly.
Copies of the letter were also sent to Special Adviser, Chieftaincy and Town Union Matters, Awka, Special Adviser, Security Matters, Awka, the Commissioner of Police, Anambra state Command, the Director State Security, Anambra State Command, the Divisional Police Officer Ajalli, DSS SSS Orumba North.
It would be recalled that a section of Awa youths, women and elders thronged the Anambra Government House, Awka on Feb. 10 to protest the proposed election which they said would throw the town into prolonged crisis.
The protesters said they had not agreed on the modalities for electing a new traditional rule which was internal to them, adding that there was strong move by some influential people to foist a king on them.
