It was a moment of great joy on Tuesday as the Executive Chairman of Afikpo Local Government Area, Hon Uchenna Nnajiofor Ibiam formally presented Chief Joseph Mbe Chukwu to Ebonyi State Government as the Traditional Ruler elect of Itim Autonomous Community as required by law.
Speaking at the formal presentation which took place at the Office of the Hon Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Centenary City, Abakaliki,Hon Uchenna Nnajiofor Ibiam disclosed that the selection of a new Traditional Ruler for Itim Autonomous Community followed a dispassionate process which climaxed on Saturday,the 9th Day of September 2023 with Chief Joseph Mbe Chukwu emerging as the Eze-Elect of the Community.
He explained that as a result of the successful conclusion of the Ezeship selection exercise,the people of Itim Autonomous Community,in accordance with the law, formally presented the Eze-Elect to Afikpo Local Government on Monday last week. He hinted that he has come with relevant Stakeholders,to in turn present the Eze-Elect to Ebonyi State Government through the Hon Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters for recognition and certification.
Hon Uche Ibiam expressed Optimism that the Eze-Elect, been an enlightened and vibrant young man who has served the Community for so many years,in different capacities, will promote peace and harmony in his domain and therefore urged the State Government to go ahead to ensure the issuance of Staff of Office to him as he will produce the required results that would fast track development in Itim Community.
Receiving the Traditional Ruler -Elect,the Hon Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Chief Stephen Uchenna Igwe commended the Community for conducting a peaceful process and urged the Eze-Elect to carry everybody along including those that never supported him.
The Hon Commissioner who noted that in every contest,there must be winners and losers, enjoined those who lost out, to, in the spirit of sportsmanship accept the outcome of the process, as only one person can occupy the traditional stool at a time
In a remark, the Hon Member representing Afikpo North East State Constituency, Hon Chief Oluchukwu Ukie Ezeali who also hails from Itim Autonomous Community, expressed great joy at the fulfilment of part of the processes of installing a new Traditional Ruler in Itim Autonomous Community and expressed confidence that the new Ezeogo, being the popular choice of the people will not disappoint.
The Presentation of Ezeogo -Elect Joseph Mbe Chukwu to Ebonyi State Government was welcomed with great jubilation at Itim Autonomous Community.
In attendance during the presentation included the Management & Staff of the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters; representatives from the component villages of Itim Autonomous Community as well as the Okabue, Essa Itim Traditional Council of Elders,Chief Augustine Ekwe Aluu.
