By Roland Ike
Dr Wisdom Okorie, business man and philanthropist has said that he remains the traditional ruler-elect of Anioma–Isu autonomous community in Onicha Local Government Area of Ebonyi state, dismissing reports in some quarters that there is a tussle for the seat.
Okorie said that the purported emergence of another person as the traditional ruler-elect was the handiwork of some persons who are afraid of his popularity among the people.
He said he was duly crowned by Elder James Njoku whose family is responsible for crowning traditional rulers in the community.
“I was surprised to hear that another person was also crowned traditional ruler.
“My people approached me to become their Igwe due to my philanthropic inclinations following the approval of the State Governor Rt. Hon Francis Nwifuru that communities without traditional rulers should elect theirs”.
“I yielded to my people’s wish because I am at home with them and know their problems and the solutions.”
Okorie noted that he satisfied all necessary criteria set by the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters and was duly crowned the traditional ruler of the community.
“The people fighting me were against my support that power should rotate to the northern senatorial zone for the governorship position though our son was contesting.
“I argued that the immediate past governor hailed from the neighbouring Local Government and there was no way other parts of the state would support such.
“This made a few individuals in the area to be against me but the people were with me as Rt. Hon Francis Nwifuru emerged the governor of the state.”
He called on the state government to wade into the matter and resolve it before it gets out of hand and thanked the governor for providing enabling environment for peace and progress in the state.
“I am a successful businessman who has constructed bore holes, culverts, paid hospital bills, provided scholarships and other forms of financial assistance to my people.
“I will continue enhancing their well-being as their traditional ruler and lift them to greater heights of prosperity, peace and progress.”
All efforts made to reach the other contestant to the throne, Mr. James Uzo Igwe, proved abortive as he could not be reached for comments.
