Traditional rulers in Imo State have been authorized by the Imo state Government to make and enforce laws in their respective Communities.
The revelation was made by the Hon. Commissioner for Community Government Council and Chieftaincy Affairs, Barr Lady Ugochi Nnanna Okoro, while interacting with journalists.
The Hon. Commissioner declared that the introduction of CGC by Governor Rochas Okorocha has provided opportunity for the Ezes to make laws in their various autonomous communities. She enjoined all communities who are embroiled in Ezeship tussle to resolve it as soon as possible to ensure that peace, tranquility and development are enshrined in their communities.
Barr. Ugochi postulated that it has been made clear that widows should inherit their late husband’s properties rather than the old custom where the family members take possession of their brother’s properties when he dies, thus leaving the widow with nothing than sorrow and penury.
The Commissioner emphasized that about 340 communities in Imo who have paid their counterpart fund of N25000 have received N1m subvention fund from the state government, stating that communities who did not pay their N25000 counterpart fund should do so immediately. She stated that the government has started the payment of pension to Imo pensioners in cheques at communities as it had earlier promised.
She explained that CGC is deeply involved in boosting Agriculture to the rural areas hence the Ministry has received Agric Loan ready for distribution to communities for production.
Barr Ugochi also stressed that arrangements have been concluded to reward Opara and Ada Imo who emerge winners in the competition which comes up on Monday 27th May, 2013, at Heroes Square, New Owerri.
According to her, the Opara and Ada Imo contest which involved all the 656 autonomous communities in Imo state is geared towards building confidence and pragmatism in Imo Youths.
