Residents seek peace as community elects new monarch

Residents of Nsugbe community in Anambra's East Local Government are calling for peace as they prepare to elect a new traditional ruler. The request was made by Mr. Victor Attah, Chairman of the Caretaker Committee, on Sunday. The committee was set up by the Anambra State Government to restore peace and conduct the election in accordance with the community's wishes.

The crisis stemmed from the traditional stool being transferred to Ivite village, which sparked agitations. In response, the caretaker committee decided to abandon the delegate system and instead implement an inclusive voting process for all eligible residents of Ivite. There was no court order preventing the caretaker committee or the government from carrying out the election, according to Mr. Attah.

He also dismissed allegations that the state Attorney-General, Tobechukwu Nweke, and Senator Tony Nwoye were involved in the decision-making process. Mr. Nweke, who is from Nsugbe, had no part in the committee's election arrangements. The Attorney General's involvement in the affair was being fabricated by those seeking to blackmail the government, Mr. Attah stated.

The state government sent observers to monitor the election and ensure its peaceful conduct. The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Vin Ezeaka, confirmed this and urged all stakeholders to support peace. He also noted that Justice Jude Obiora, from the Awka Judicial Division, had issued a preservative order on August 5, 2026, halting any election or selection of an Igwe for Nsugbe until the court case was resolved.

Despite the court order, the newly-elected traditional ruler, Chief John Nweke, was formally presented with certificates of recognition by Governor Chukwuma Soludo on Tuesday. Mr. Ezeaka implored everyone to remain calm and allow the election's outcome to stand, warning against any attempts to overturn the results.