Peace Is Non-Negotiable, Soludo Tells New Monarchs as Anambra Moves to Overhaul Community Governance

By Praise Chinecherem

Governor Chukwuma Soludo has declared that lasting peace is a non-negotiable condition for grassroots development as Anambra State moves to reform its community governance structure and tackle persistent leadership disputes across communities.

Soludo made the declaration at the Light House in Awka while presenting Certificates of Recognition to the Traditional Rulers of Nsugbe and Adazi-Nnukwu, Igwe John Nzekwesili Nweke and Igwe Aethelbirth Muoka, respectively.

The governor charged the newly recognised monarchs to rise above divisions and serve as impartial fathers to every member of their communities, irrespective of political or personal differences.

Acknowledging the challenges associated with leadership, Soludo noted that opposition to those in authority had always been part of human society.

He, however, urged the monarchs to prioritise peace and reconciliation, stressing that their new positions require them to embrace both their supporters and critics.

“You are now the fathers of everybody,” the governor said, urging the traditional rulers to ensure that peace reigns in their respective domains.

Soludo said his administration was also working on a New Community Administration Law aimed at creating a more structured and effective system of grassroots governance in the state.

According to him, the existing system has created significant governance challenges because many communities are currently administered through voluntary town unions registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission.

He said the arrangement had contributed to the emergence of rival factions and prolonged court battles over community leadership and traditional rulership.

The governor observed that, unlike other tiers of government, communities often experience multiple factions because they are largely administered through voluntary associations.

“This is one of the fundamental problems we must address if we are to build stronger and more functional communities,” he said.

Soludo called on experienced traditional rulers in the state to provide guidance and mentorship to the newly recognised monarchs.

He said the state was working towards building a new Anambra from the grassroots through a bottom-up development strategy that would transform communities and position them for global relevance.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Local Government and Community Affairs, Barr. Ifeanyi Ezeaka, said both monarchs passed through all the legally required processes before receiving official recognition from the state government.

According to Ezeaka, “These new leaders are the first to be presented in Mr Governor’s second tenure, following the recognition of 12 traditional rulers during his first term.”

He explained that the process of recognition began at the community level and moved through the relevant local government authorities before receiving final approval from the state government.

Speaking with journalists after the presentation, the two newly recognised traditional rulers pledged to work towards uniting their people and promoting lasting peace in Nsugbe and Adazi-Nnukwu.

The event was attended by the Chairman of the Anambra State Traditional Rulers’ Council, Igwe Chidubem Iweka, as well as the Presidents-General of the two communities.

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