2027: NYCN Berates Traditional Ruler Over Death Threat, Sues For Peace

The National Youth Council of Nigeria, NYCN, Bende LGA Chapter, has called on the Abia State Government to urgently check what it described as the growing excesses of some traditional rulers in Bende ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a statement on Sunday night signed by its Coordinator, Comrade Ukomba Hossana, the umbrella body of all youth organizations in Bende LGA expressed dismay over “inflammatory statements” emanating from some royal fathers in the area.

The council said traditional rulers are constitutionally and culturally expected to be non-partisan, neutral, and fathers to all, but noted with concern that some have allegedly abandoned that role.

“It is rather disturbing that traditional rulers, who are supposed to be champions of justice and peaceful co-existence, have turned out to be the ones beating the drums of war and death,” the statement read.

NYCN Bende stated that traditional rulers are meant to be symbols of peace and tranquility, not agents of chaos, mischief, and discord, and should guide and bless all subjects and candidates without segregation.

The council referenced a trending video of His Royal Highness Eze Innocent Mba, the Traditional Ruler of Akanu Item, who threatened death on any subject who votes against his preferred candidate, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu.

The council described the action as “crude, devilish, uncultured, undemocratic and an infringement on the fundamental human rights” of the people, contrary to the provisions of the 1999 Constitution as amended.

“That in itself is an infringement on the fundamental human right of his subjects… His actions and speech reveal who he is and point to the fact that he may have been enthroned in error, as he represents everything a royal father should not be,” the statement added.

The NYCN noted that “the people of Bende are peaceful” and that elections have always been conducted without such threats. It stressed that citizens should be allowed to “freely vote for candidates of their choice without fear of intimidation from any quarters.”

The youth body called on the Abia State Government to “quickly investigate this matter and take decisive actions to forestall a breakdown of law and order in Bende Local Government Area.”

“Some Eze’s in Bende have thrown caution to the winds and decided not just to wear the full garment of politicians but also to exhibit the crudest form of hooliganism and gangsterism,” NYCN stated.

The statement concluded with prayers for peace in Bende, Abia State, and Nigeria.