The Udumeze Ohafia Ancient Kingdom and the Council of Ohafia Monarchs have overturned a declaration by the Ohafia Youths Association Inc. (OYA) that barred Senator Orji Uzor Kalu from visiting communities in Ohafia.
Earlier, the youth group had issued a statement, signed by its Chairman, Obasi Kalu Obasi, and Secretary, Onyekachi Uduma, declaring the Abia North senator persona non grata and warning him against entering Ohafia communities. The association alleged that Senator Kalu had made remarks they believed were harmful to the image and interests of the Ohafia people.
However, in a swift move to calm rising tensions, the Udumeze Ohafia-in-Council nullified the youths’ proclamation, stressing that the action was unconstitutional. The monarchs noted that the declaration violated Sections 39 and 40 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), which guarantee citizens’ fundamental rights, including freedom of movement.
The traditional rulers reaffirmed that no individual or group has the authority to restrict the lawful movement of any citizen within the country.
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