* Others still defiant
One of the 12 traditional rulers suspended by the Anambra State government has admitted his indiscretion, appealing to the governor for forgiveness.
Igwe of Alor Community in Idemili South Local Government Area, MacAnthony Okonkwo, openly apologized to Governor Willie Obiano and the Traditional Rulers’ Council for violating some of the rules guiding the operation of monarchs in the State.
But others have continued to insist that the suspension is an infringement on their fundamental human rights to move as free citizens to any part of the country.
Obiano had pronounced the suspension of the traditional rulers for embarking on a long distance trip out of the State and territory without the knowledge of the State government.
Specifically, according to the government, they are suspended from office for one year for travelling to Abuja allegedly led by Prince Arthur Eze, a business man from the State.
The suspension order was contained in a circular issued by the Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Mr. Greg Obi.
It said the traditional rulers were suspended because they travelled outside the State without approval by the government.
But reacting at the weekend during a press conference in his palace, the Igwe of Alor admitted his wrong doing and tendered an open apology to the governor.
He said: “It was a serious slip on my part not to have informed the government about the trip to Abuja before embarking on it. I therefore tender an unreserved apology.”
Okonkwo denied the rumour that he was induced with money and gifts before agreeing to embark on the trip.
He explained that the money he was seen counting was meant for his driver and other aides for their upkeep and wondered how somebody of his status, who was already rich before becoming a king, would be accused of taking bribe.
“How can they call it bribe? What kind of bribe is that? That is total fallacy? I was counting out money for my driver and other aides for fuel and their welfare.
“I have never taken bribe in my life from anybody. But if I wish to do, you have to pack Ghana-Must-Go bags of dollars up to 10 or 20. Perhaps if I receive that, then you will be talking about bribe.
“Secondly, Ndi Igwe do not have constitutional right to remove the governor or do anything to him. We are not lawmakers who have such constitutional rights,” the monarch pointed out
Meanwhile, one of the affected traditional rulers has reportedly argued that the governor has no right to suspend any of them
He asked: “Why would I apologize for going on a business trip? It is ridiculous for anyone to think that a first class monarch will tender apology.
He maintained that their visit to the Presidential Villa, Abuja, was to commend President Buhari for his infrastructural development of the South-East region and Anambra State in particular.
He listed the projects to include “Second Niger Bridge, Enugu-Onitsha Expressway, Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway, among others.”