By Ovat Abeng
After weeks of rigorous sittings, during which thirty-two memoranda were received and twenty-eight oral testimonies heard, the Panel of Inquiry set up to look into the dispute surrounding the traditional stool of Awka has concluded its assignment and submitted its report to Governor Chukwuma Soludo.
Presenting the report on behalf of other members, the Chairman of the Commission, retired Justice Paul Obidigwe, established that Chief Gibson Nwosu was not lawfully dethroned, as there were no lawful grounds for his removal and he was denied a fair hearing, stating that the action failed to comply with the law and is therefore unlawful, invalid, and of no legal effect.
Describing the situation as an affront to the state government, Justice Obidigwe also stated that Chief Austin Ndigwe was not lawfully selected and is illegitimately functioning in that capacity, noting that his selection and enthronement violated due process and statutory requirements.
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Receiving the report, Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo said the government would study it with keen interest and issue a White Paper as a follow-up on the matter, recalling that the state government had earlier given the people of Awka the opportunity to resolve the issue internally to no avail, and pointed out that the government intervened only after it was invited to do so.
Governor Soludo stressed that Anambra must remain a state governed by law and order, noting that it is his duty to enforce the law, and sent a message to other communities that no community will be allowed to have more than one traditional ruler, while emphasizing that there is no victor and no vanquished.
