Rivers traditional rulers pledge to uphold court verdict

Traditional Rulers in Ngo town in Rivers have vowed to respect upcoming Supreme Court verdict expected to terminate an over 40 years chieftancy tussle in the community.

Speaking shortly after a peace pact organized by the Council on Tuesday at Ngo, the Council headquarter, the parties involved in the suit vowed to respect the outcome of the judgment.

The Supreme Court sitting in Abuja is expected to deliver judgment on the chieftaincy matter between Uwu-ile and Egwu-oke families on Jan. 6, 2023.

Chief Elijah Ogodo, Traditional Prime Minister of Ngo town representing the Uwu-ile Royal House, noted that the chieftaincy tussle between two families had lingered for more than 40 years.

Ogodo applauded the local government Chairman’s proactive peace initiative and vowed to ensure law and order before and after the court judgment.

“No local government chairman had shown this level of commitment and cooperation towards enthronement of peace in Ngo town, we will queue behind the chairman by accepting whatever verdict given by the Supreme Court so as to ensure a lasting peace,” he said.

Similarly, Chief Ala John, representing Egwu-oke Council of Chiefs, also commended the chairman for effectively collaborating with the security agencies to forestall possible crises by aggrieved party in the suit.

“The peace meeting is quite apt as it represented the collective agreement of the Ngo people and as a traditional leader, I will enlighten my people on the various strategies so far initiated by the council and the security agencies.”

Earlier, the Council Chairman, Erastus Awortu, had described the expected Supreme Court judgment as very remarkable considering the fact that Ngo town is the council’s headquarter and the centre of government in the area.

“We understand the history of violence that usually trigger chieftancy cases of such magnitude that’s why we are working closely with the entire security agencies, including the Bori Police Division in an effort to preventing any eventualities.

Police Chiefs from Andoni, Bori Police Divisions, DSS and the Neighbourhood Watch were present during the peace and security meeting.