–Oparaugo emerges Interim President General
Peace is said to have returned to Obi Mbieri autonomous community in Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State that had been in turmoil for quite sometime following the absence of the Traditional Ruler, HRH, Eze JN Osuji whose whereabout elicited controversy and mixed reactions from different quarters in the community.
Information available to our news desk indicate that peace returned to the community, following the intervention of the Sole Administrator (SOLAD) of Mbaitoli L.G.A, Hon Hamilton Chinasa Opara, ‘’who in his wisdom, appointed a popular and well respected community leader, Chief Samuel Obidinma Oparaugo to replace the former President General whose tenure had expired’’.
Some indigenes of the community who spoke to this Reporter in their meeting at Mbieri , expressed delight at the SOLAD’s choice of Chief Oparaugo, who they described as a man of integrity who, in line with his well know antecedents, will always be fair and firm in the performance of his duties without being a push around.
According to them, ‘’the SOLAD’s intervention is a welcome development especially, at a time when the out gone President General and the self-imposed PG threw the entire community into confusion as a result of their unbridled tussle for power and recognition that culminated in different law suits to the detriment of the community and her people’’.
Commenting on the development, the Traditional Prime Minister of Obi Mbieri autonomous community, Prof Kyrian Ndikom, expressed gratitude to Governor Hope Uzodinma for appointing Hon Hamilton Chinasa Opara as the Sole Administrator of Mbaitoli L.G.A, adding that peace has returned to Obi Mbieri and other communities in the area since the SOLAD assumed office.
When also contacted, a stakeholder in Obi Mbieri, Chief Jeto Nwadi, stated that, ‘’Obi Mbieri community will enjoy lasting peace under the watch of Chief Sam Oparango as PG. He commended the TPM for successfully actualizing the vision of the Traditional ruler, Eze JN Osuji, Eze Ukwu I of Obi Mbieri autonomous community’’.
Also speaking, a Youth Leader in Obi Mbieri, Okechukwu Iwuajoku, said, ‘’there is jubilation in our community following the emergence of Chief Oparaugo as the interim P.G of Obi Mbieri Autonomous Community. We are grateful to the SOLAD for doing the needful in line with the wishes and aspirations of the people’’.
‘’We are also happy that our traditional ruler chose Prof Kyrian Ndikom as the Traditional Prime Minister of the community at a time like this that we need a man of substance and integrity to work with the leadership of the community at all levels to achieve peace, stability and development’’.
The Public Relations Officer of the Eze’s cabinet, Chief Johnathan H. Osuji said, ‘’ the village heads are in full support of the TPM for carrying out progressive policies of our traditional ruler and we would not go back in search of the goodness of Obi Mbieri Autonomous Community’’. Chief J.H Osuji further praised the Mbaitoli SOLAD for appointing Chief Oparaugo as the interim PG of Obi Mbieri Autonomous Community pending next election for that position.