By Chinonso Alozie

Owerri—The Imo State House of Assembly, yesterday, called for the suspension of new yam festival (Iriji) in Orsu Local Government Area, alleging that the organizers of the festival had not consulted the elders of the community.

This came as they summoned the Transition Committee Chairman of Orsu Local Government, Peter Clinton Ihejiagwa, to appear before it, Tuesday, to explain the controversy surrounding the proposed festival.

Also summoned alongside with Ihejiagwa was the transition committee chairman of Ehime Mbano Local Government, Chike Ojiako, for allegedly making disparaging comments on the Imo State House of Assembly.

Presenting the motion that led to the suspension of the Iriji festival, the member representing Ehime Mbano State constituency, Lawman Duruji, said: “ I want to tell you that the organizers of the Iriji festival did not consult the elders of the community.

“I have information that the youths are threatening violence if the Iriji proposed by the TC chairman is not suspended.

“I have spoken to some of the traditional rulers and the lawmaker representing the Orsu. They said they were not aware of the proposed Iriji festival.”

Speaking also on what she described as an insult on the members of the Imo House of Assembly, the member representing Isu state constituency, Mrs Ngozi Obiefule, said: “I rise to join my colleagues, we have to take this issue serious. In the past, these TC chairmen have insulted us and rubbished our image.”