By Uzo Ugwunze :
Igwe Chidubem Iweka of Obosi Ukwala kingdom, Idemili North Local Government Area, Anambra state has read riot acts to criminals, cultists and fraudsters operating in the area, warning them on the consequences of their nefarious activities.
In his speech during his 11th Obiora/New yam festival, Eze Iweka III said that the community has established adequate synergy between the Police, Anti-Cult, Anambra Vigilante Services (AVS) and Obosi youths to achieve quite a formidable crime-fighting force.
Eze Iweka who insisted that it would no longer be business as usual for criminals in the area, further said that the community has equally established a Movement Against Cultism in Obosi (MACOB), as part of its new anti-cult agenda.
Flanked by his cabinet chiefs, including the Project Manager of the Second Niger Bridge project, Mr. Frederick Wieser who he gave a chieftaincy title of ‘Agusimba of Obosi Kingdom’ during the festival, Eze Iweka commended every group that has been instrumental in fighting criminality in Obosi community.
“I commend the Police DPO and Obosi Anti-cult Commander, the President-General of Obosi Development Union, President of Obosi Urban Landlords, the Scorpion Vigilante and our Youths for their concerted efforts in fighting criminality in Obosi to a virtual standstill.
“We hereby read a riot act to the criminals in the land, the hard drug dealers, the fraudulent POS operators who collude with criminals to siphon money from victims’ bank accounts, the 419 operators and hardcore bandits.
“Cultism has become a cankerworm biting hard into the social lives of communities across the country and we have had our unfair share of this deadly and senseless scourge that has claimed the lives of dozens of our promising young men, over the years.
“We have always sought for the most adequate measures to eradicate cultism in Obosi and environs and finally, the idea of a mass all-fraternity denouncement of Cultism evolved,” Eze Iweka said.
He also warned that anyone found committing crimes under the guise of masquerading would be arrested and prosecuted.
Eze Iweka also warned against violation of the red cap meant for only ‘Ndichie’, ‘Ndi Ogbueshi’, ‘Ndi tolu ogbo’, ‘Ndi isi mmuo’ and ‘honorary chiefs’ in the area.
However, the former Anambra State Chairman, Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Dr. Emma Muonago and the Medical Director of renowned Hospital in Onitsha, Dame Vivian Onwuekwe described Obiora festival as a time of peace, happiness, conviviality and promotion of the colourful culture of the Obosi people.
The President of Obosi Urban landlords Association, Chief Emeka Asimonye after eulogizing Eze Iweka, thanked Anambra State Government for flagging off Owellaja road project and promising to intervene in the erosion menace ravaging Owelleaja, Oduke and Ibolo areas.
Other dignitaries at the occasion include, Anambra State Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Mr. Ifeanyi Okeoma, Igwe Peter Anugwu of Mbaukwu and the Chairman Udokamma Landlord Association, Nkputamkpuenu, Mr. Gideon Ozoemena.
