By Mimi Chiadikobi
No fewer than 2,000 protesters from Awba Ofemili, Awka North Local Government Area, Anambra State, stormed Government House, Awka, where they protesters alleged killings, burning of houses, amongst others.
The protesters alleged forceful confiscation of 2000 bags of rice, goats, land grabbing, amongst other issues against their monarch, Igwe Ernest Maduagwuna.
The leader of the protesters, Dr Nice Mekoh said that over 15 houses were set ablaze, while scores of goats was forcefully confiscated from the owners by the Traditional Ruler.
Mekoh said that those items confiscated from their owners were reportedly sold to traders in Onitsha.
His words, “We demand dethronement of the monarch, Igwe Ezekwesiri Ernest Maduagwuna, and conduct of a fresh President General, PG, election.
” The incumbent PG is imposed on us which also increased the killings, raping, land grabbing, setting houses ablaze, confiscation of items from poor farmers by the monarch and his cohorts.
“In our community if you holds different views against the monarch ideas the people will be attacked and affected persons houses set ablaze.
“Our wives and daughters are raped and if complain if you want to be alive,” he further explained.
Mekoh commended Governor Soludo of Anambra for rehabilitating the Amansea,/Ugbene/Awba Ofemili road which assists them to evacuate farm produce to the cities.
The protesters, some of who carried placards with the inscription: “We say no to killings, imposition of PGs.
“Burning of houses, forceful seizure of people’s rice and goats, land grabbing, Soludo dethrone Igwe Maduagwuna and sack vampire Chief security officer, Polycap Ndukife,” among others.
In his response, Soludo, ably represented by his Chief of Staff, Chief Ernest Ezeajughi, pledged to look into the allegations.
He commended them for the peaceful way they conducted the protest, adding that investigation would be conducted.
He thanked the people for supporting the governor in the infrastructural development of the state assuring that soonest investigation will commence.
In a swift reaction when contacted, the embattled monarch, Igwe Maduagwuna, described the protesters as trouble shooters who accused him of setting their houses ablaze.
According to the monarch, “I, Igwe can’t set somebody’s house ablaze, they are bunch of liars, the protest they effected is useless, null and void and of no effect.”End.
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