The People of Emede Ibeku Autonomous Community in Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia State, has presented to the authorities of Umuahia North LGA, Sir Allan Okpokiri as the Eze elect of the community.
The people presented Sir Allan Okpokiri, a former lay president of Methodist Church Nigeria, Umuahia Diocese, to the Umuahia North Council, after the demise of their late traditional ruler, Late Eze Henry Ezekwem,five years ago.
Making the presentation,the President General of Emede Ibeku Development Union, Hon Ugochukwu Ibe, said after the death and burial of Eze H.C Ezekwem, the Ede Ukwu 1 of Emede Ibeku Autonomous Community in 2018, the Emede Ibeku Development Union and its Exco, alongside the community,set up a committee to screen all aspirants, forwarded a name to the general house for ratification and approval.
He said the screening committee at the conclusion of their assignment,presented Sir Okpokiri,who happened to be the only person that picked the nomination and expression of interest form to the entire community viz-a-viz his screening and clearance by the screening committee.
Presenting Sir Okpokiri for recognition and issuance of staff of office by the Executive Governor of the state, the President General, stated that the choice of Sir Allan Okpokiri is the general decision of Emede community and it was not in contention.
In his Speech, the Chairman of Umuahia North Local Government Area, Hon Ugochukwu Njikonye, acknowledged Sir Allan Okpokiri, stating confidence he can deliver,going by his antecedent, praying God to grant him wisdom to lead the people of Emede Ibeku.
In their separate speeches, the former commissioner for Public Utilities,Hon Chidiebere Nwoke, the Councillor of Ibeku East Ward 2, Hon Nath Nwoko and the President of Abia State Customary Court of Appeal, Justice Okey Nwamuo, described the Eze elect as the best candidate that can bring the desired progress to Emede community, calling for their support.
Speaking,the Eze elect dedicated the remaining days of his life to the service of Emede Ibeku, giving assurance that he would give the best in the service of the people, soliciting for their untiring support.Also, the wife of the Eze elect, Lady Nancy Okpokiri, offered to serve diligently and promised to stand for the women.
In an interview, Justice Okey Nwamuo, stated that out of the two traditional rulers he has taken for presentation,Sir Okpokiri happens to be the best,interms of character, quality and humility.
Justice Nwamuo, however, stated that since the inception of Emede Ibeku Autonomous, Sir Okpokiri happened to be the first Eze elect that would be widely accepted by the people without any form of contention or disagreement, revealing that the selection of the traditional ruler of Ibeku Ancient Kingdom,Eze Onuoha, the Ogurube IV and the foremost traditional ruler of Emede Ibeku, elicited disagreement and factions among the people.
He prayed God to grant the new Eze elect wisdom to lead Emede Ibeku to an enviable height.
The President General of Emede Ibeku, Hon Ugochuwku Ibe, while fielding questions from journalists, assured the new Eze elect of the support of the people.
According to him,the Eze elect has gained good records, following his contributions as a Lay president of Methodist Church Nigeria, Retired Civil servant, government appointee and many more, stating that no doubt he would bring his wealth of knowledge to bare as a traditional ruler.
He noted that the people has alot of expectations from the new Eze elect,as they look up to collaborate with other sons and daughters of Emede Ibeku to attract government presence to their community, which is already going through alot or challenges due to bad road.
On the security of the community, the President General, stated that they are in synergy with security operatives to ensure the community is adequately secured, especially in the face of the security challenges in Nigeria.
