The Ochimba of Elele Town in Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State, Eze Innocent Anaemeje, has suspended five members of the Etche Security Planning Advisory Committee (ESPAC) in the community.
The suspension follows series of gross misconduct alleged by the community against them.
Those suspended are Darlington Nwanodi Nwaechefom; Nnodim Ordu; Kenneth Onyemuche; Nwauwa, Sam Ade Isaiah; and Chinedu Godspower.
Eze Anaemeje also announced the appointment of one Okachukwu Amadi as the Chief Security Officer of the community.
Speaking in an interview with The Tide in the community, the Ochimba said the suspension of the ESPAC members was a result of gross misconduct, adding that the community might forgive them if they are ready to show remorse and turn a new leaf.
He said the community will also give them a template to operate on.
“They are hereby suspended till further notice. Other members of ESPAC that have not soiled their hands in the misconduct are hereby retained to perform their duties without fear or favour.
“They also have the support of the community, the support of the Ochimba in Council to carry out their legitimate assignment”, he said.
Eze Anaemeje further said the security apparatus of the community will also be reorganized to include members of the Hunters Association of Nigeria, Elele Branch.
It would be recalled that the suspended ESPAC members, last Friday, dragged the Ochimba to the Community market place with a view to getting members of the community pass a vote of no confidence on Eze Anaemeje.
After listening to both parties, the Council exonerated Eze Anaemeje from any wrong doing and imposed heavy fines on the ESPAC members.
The community also warned them against indulging in land grabbing and other illegal activities in the community, adding that it was bad on their part to have dragge the Ochimba to the market place, describing it as an embarrassment not only to the Ochimba, but the entire community.
Meanwhile, the people of Elele Community have pledged their unalloyed loyalty and support to the Ochimba of the community, Eze Anaemeje.
Speaking on behalf of the community, a member of the Elele Council of Chiefs, Chief Innocent Ozoemene Amadi, said the community is happy with the rulership of the Ochimba.
He said those planning a vote of no confidence on Eze Anaemeje are enemies of the community, adding that they are being sponsored to cause crisis in the community.
He also urged them to retrace their steps in the interest of the peace of the community.
Also speaking, the newly appointed Chief Security Officer of Elele Community, Mr Okachukwu Amadi, said he would work to ensure peace in the community.
He called for the support of all members of the community.

By: John Bibor