EFFURUN/Nigeria: An attempt by the “blacklisted and cursed” Uvwie local government deputy Chairman Mr. Daniel Ighedo and four others to join by motion a against instituted against the Delta State Police Commissioner, Mohammed Ari Ali and others to stop using letters of invitation to harass the Ovie in-council was today dismissed by an Effurun High Court.
The Uvwie Traditional Council has dragged the Delta state Police Commissioner to court for sending several letters of invitation to the Ovie in-council to appear before him in Asaba following an alleged petition by the four persons namely Mr. Daniel Ighedo, a former LG. Vice Chairman, Newyear Iffie, Moses Terry Ariuruje, Gabriel Ariuruje and Onajite Awinoron.
At today’s sitting, Justice Ughebario upheld the argument by Chief Victor Otomiewo, representing the Uvwie Traditional Council that the five person had no locus-standi, and that their motion lack merit as they were meddlesome interlopers in the case
The court held that the case in court did not concern them and it has nothing to do with the community liaison officers(CLO) and they themselves by their own affidavit claimed they were not CLOs but in full employment.
Chief Otomiewo later told www.newsroom247.com.ng that following the affidavit sworn to by the culprits, the community plans to take up the issue of double employment by them contrary to public service regulations. He said today’s ruling had exposed their illegal activities because they were not well advised by their lawyers
He added however that because the Uvwie nation and the Ovie in-council was still open to reconciliation with them if they repent. He said that was why he only asked for five Naira cost.
It will be recalled that on September 1, 2021, the Uvwie Traditional Leaders blacklisted and placed a curse on the Uvwie Local Government (LG) Vice Chairman, Mr. Daniel Ighedo and four others for allegedly exposing the office of HRM Emmanuel E. Sideso, Abe 1, JP OON, the Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom and the traditional institutions to public ridicule.
The Uvwie people and friends of the Uvwie Kingdom were also told to desist from associating with the culprits otherwise the wrath of the gods will also visit them. The sanction will reminded until the affected persons purged themselves traditionally of the allegations against them.
The culprits had opposed the decision of the Uvwie Traditional Council which was earlier supported by the Delta state government, that in order to sustain the peace, particularly in Ekpan, the tenure-ship position of Community Liasion Officers(CLOs) and Ekpan Development Committee(EDC) should not be more than three years to promote harmony in the community.
The accused persons opposed the decision while some of them, lobbied their friends in the government to overturn government earlier decision on tenure-ship to favour them in complete contempt for the government’s report, headed by Chief Edwin Uzor (JP), Special Adviser, TO THE GOVERNOR OF PEACE BUILDING AND CONFLICT RESOLUTION, which declared that “the current community liaison officers (C.L.O) and community relations committee(CRC) members have served long enough and are given up till 30th September 2020 to wind up their activities and accordingly, vacate office on the 30th September 2020. Within this period, the community should appoint replacement for them through the Unuevworo of the various quarter in consonance with the EDC chairman.
