Visit to Buhari: All 12 suspended Anambra monarchs make U-Turn, beg Obiano for forgiveness

The 12 rulers suspended by Anambra State Governor Willie Obiano have begged him for forgiveness.

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They apologised at the Office of Speaker of the House of Assembly, Uche Okafor, when they visited him at the weekend.

Obiano suspended the monarchs for visiting President Muhammadu Buhari in Abuja without permission.

But the royal fathers urged Okafor to beg Obiano on their behalf.

Traditional ruler of Ifetedunu Emeka Ilouno, who spoke for others, said they had no intention and have none to fight the governor.

Ilouno, who described Obiano as God sent to Ndi Anambra, said the governor’s administration had turned the state around.

He said Obiano had been and is still their close ally, alleging some people blew the matter out of proportion to score cheap points.

The first monarch that was suspended was Peter Uyanwa of Ukwulu, Dunukofia council. The state said his suspension was based on petitions from his people.

Uyanwa urged Obiano to remember his position as Papal Knight of St. Gregory the Great, and use the anointing bestowed on him by Pope Francis to forgive.

Uche noted their visit showed they love the peace of the state. He described the move as a step in the right direction.

He promised to bring the matter to Obiano, who he described as soft and kind hearted.

Meanwhile, Oil magnate Prince Arthur Eze has said calls by Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, that the rulers be banished with him is inconsequential.

Ngige, at the weekend, called on Obiano to not only suspend the 12 monarchs, but also banish them.

The minister added that the ban should be extended to Eze, who led the delegation to Abuja, to deter others.

But Eze condemned Ngige’s statement.

A statement by his media aide, Okpala Okechukwu, reads: “It was improper for Ngige to call for the ban of royal fathers whose only offence was travelling to Abuja to praise President Muhammadu Buhari for the magnificent jobs he has done for the people in Southeast.

“As a minister, Ngige should know that no section of the constitution empowers a governor to banish or trample on the fundamental human rights of any citizen. Any governor who attempts to heed Ngige’s call would be taking an action that is against the letters and spirit of the constitution.

“Ngige’s call for the banishment of a man of Prince Eze’s status is most callous, derogatory and unbecoming of a minister.”