Monarchs nullify order banning Senator Kalu’s movement into Abia North headquarters

 

The Udumeze Ohafia Ancient Kingdom and the Council of Ohafia Monarchs have nullified the proclamation by a youth group, Ohafia Youths Association Inc., which declared Senator Orji Uzor Kalu “Persona Non Grata” in Ohafia communities.

The Ohafia Youths Association Inc. (OYA) had, in a statement signed by its Chairman, Obasi Kalu Obasi, and Secretary, Onyekachi Uduma, said that Kalu, who represents Abia North, should not visit Ohafia communities.

According to the youth body, the Abia North Senator allegedly made a statement they considered against the name and interests of Ohafia people, among other allegations.

But in a swift response to douse the tension, the Udumeze Ohafia in-Council nullified the “Persona Non Grata” tag placed on Senator Kalu, stating that the actions of the youths were contrary to Sections 39 and 40 of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution (as amended), which guarantees citizens’ rights to freedom of movement.

According to Imo Ukwa Imo, the S.A. on Media and Publicity to the Udumeze Ohafia in-Council, the nullification of the proclamation was due to the concerns it triggered.

“The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), Sections 39 and 40, guarantees, among other rights, freedom of movement to its citizens.

“Udumeze Ohafia Ancient Kingdom and the Council of Ohafia Monarchs, as custodians of Ohafia people at home and in the diaspora, and of its institutions and organs, strongly condemned the said proclamation by the Ohafia Youths Association.

“Such action is obstructive to the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and is therefore declared null and void,” the statement said.

Ohafia is the headquarters of the Abia North Senatorial District of Abia State.