By Chidi Nkwopara
OWERRI—Angry reactions have continued to trail the raging controversy over the purported extension of the tenure of the current Chairman of Imo State Council Traditional Rulers.

The latest reaction came from political and opinion leaders in Owerri senatorial zone, including the former Speaker, Imo State House of Assembly, Chief Noel Agwuocha-Chukwukadibia, as well as former commissioners, Chief Ugochukwu Nnawuihe and Chief Soronnadi Njoku.

Speaking  under the aegis of Owerri Consultative Assembly (OCA), the leaders appealed to Governor Ikedi Ohakim to “withhold assent to the Bill, which was hurriedly passed by Imo State House of Assembly and instead, appoint a fit and qualified royal father from Owerri zone” to head the traditional council.

“As responsible citizens of Imo state, who are stakeholders in its peace, progress, stability and unity, we feel concerned that this issue, if not well handled, may become a major black spot in our polity”, the leaders said.

They sought to know “the pressing, exigent or urgent reason that justified the hasty passage of the Bill”, adding that there must be serious selfish reasons why this Bill was rushed.

Insisting that laws are not passed for persons but to address issues of principles needing legislative attention, they noted that  to pass a law specifically to the benefit and advantage of one person, amounts to legislative judgment.

“Orlu zone was supposed to hold the position for three years under Eze Cletus Ilomuanya. How it was increased from three to five years beats our imagination. And now to rob Owerri of its turn is most offensive to us”, the leaders added.