The village head of Ngo City in Andoni Native Council of Rivers State, Dr Ujeile Ngere, alongside neighborhood members, has condemned an order limiting motion and banning companies within the space, describing it as vexatious and illegal.
The restriction order, allegedly issued by Mr Matthew Ogwuokwa of the Uwuile household, is about to take impact from February 28 to March 1, 2025. It mandates the closure of the Ngo most important market and prohibits public ceremonies, marriages, burials, and different occasions in preparation for the burial of the late King Job William Okuruket, a former conventional ruler of Ngoland.
The Guardian learnt that Ogwuokwa, Chairman of the Burial Central Working Committee, issued directives to all residents of Ngo City. These included cleansing their environment, closing the Ngo Every day Market, and flying chieftaincy flags at half-mast from February 24 to March 2, 2025.
Nevertheless, in a press convention held in Port Harcourt yesterday, Ngere denounced the order as “malicious, inciting, and provocative.” He warned that it may result in a communal disaster in Ngo City, which serves because the headquarters of Andoni Native Council and includes 4 main households: Egweoke Royal, Uwuile, Arong, and Enyeket.
In the meantime, in response, Ogwuokwa accused Ngere of being an impostor and fabricating false claims. He alleged that Ngere had been dethroned following a Supreme Courtroom judgment and was now not recognised as a standard ruler by the state authorities.
“The burial is a government-sponsored occasion, and Ngere has no capability to disrupt it. His claims must be disregarded,” Ogwuokwa acknowledged. He added that the late King Okuruket, a first-class conventional ruler, was being honoured with full assist from the state’s Council of Conventional Rulers, and urged the folks to ignore Ngere’s place.
However Ngere argued that Ogwuokwa lacks the customary or authorized authority to impose such restrictions, which he described as an affront to the powers of the Rivers State Governor.
“The purported order issued by Mr Matthew Ogwuokwa is a direct affront and an try to usurp the powers of the Govt Governor of Rivers State. I, due to this fact, name on the state authorities and related safety businesses to carry Mr Ogwuokwa and all the Uwuile household chargeable for any breakdown of regulation and order in Ngo City throughout this era,” Ngere acknowledged.
He urged the general public to dismiss the order and suggested residents to proceed with their lawful actions. Regardless of being excluded from the burial planning, Ngere inspired residents to attend the burial and honour the late king.
Additionally, representatives of Ngo youths and girls additionally criticised the restriction. Youth chief John Bibo John questioned Ogwuokwa’s authority, urging youths to take care of peace and assist Ngere. Equally, Mrs Anita Alick, representing ladies, inspired them to proceed their companies, dismissing Ogwuokwa’s directive.
