CONSTITUTION AMAWBIA AS AMENDED IN 2017

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Section 1:  Preamble…………………………………………….    1

Section 2:  Name………………………………………………….   1

Section 3:  Aims & Objectives ……………………………………  1

Section 4:  Application…………………………………………….  1

Section 5:  Membership ………………………………………….  2

Section 6:  Organs of the Union…………………………………   2

Section 7:  Isi-Isiakpu Amawbia…………………………………    5

Section 8:  Age-Grade……………………………………………   6

Section 9:  Branches of Amawbia Town Union……………….   7

Section 10: Council of Okokpa Amawbia …………………….    8

Section 11: Ozo Title Society of Amawbia……………………    9

Section 12: The Traditional Ruler of Amawbia Town……….     10

Section 13: Traditional Prime Minister of Amawbia Town….     16

Section 14: The Okpaligwe-in-Council……………………….      18

Section 15: Succession, Vacancy & Regency in the

Stool of Okpaligwe of Amawbia Town………….      20

Section 16: Code of Conduct for the Okpaligwe of Amawbia   22

Section 17: Trustees…………………………………………….    22

Section 18:         Officers of the Union………………………………..   22

Section 19: Election of Honorary/Elected Officers……………   29

Section 20: Changes of Administration……………………….    31

Section 21: Oath of Office………………………………………    31

Section 22: Removal of Honorary Officers &  Central Council members…………………………      32

Section 23: Voting ……………………………………………..       33

Section 24: Finance……………………………………………       34

Section 25: Custody of Funds……………………………….…      36

Section 26: Meetings of the Union……………………………      37

Section 27: General Conference……………………………..      37

Section 28: Emergency Conference………………………… …      40

Section 29: Central Council Meetings……………………….       41

Section 30: Home Meetings (IZU)……………………………       41

Section 31: Mass Return ……………………………………..       42

Section 32: Eziokpaligwe Festival……………………………       42

Section 33: Quorum for Meetings……………………………..     43

Section 34: Publicity……………………………………………      43

Section 35: Penalties for Non-Payment of levies…………..      44

Section 36: Unpartiotic Acts…………………………………..       45

Section 37: Order of Precedence in Amawbia……………..       …      46

Section 38: Amendments of this Constitution……………….      46

Section 39: Commencement………………………………….      47

 

SCHEDULES

Schedule 1: Oath of Office for the Okpaligwe of

Amawbia…………………………………………………… 48

Schedule 2: Oath of Office for Osojeze of Amawbia   (Traditional Prime Minister)…………………….                   49

 

 

 

 

 

Schedule 3: Oath of Office for members of

Okpaligwe ‘s Council……………………………                  49

Schedule 4: Oath of Office for the President-General of

Amawbia Town Union………………………….                   50

Schedule 5: Oath of Office for the Deputy President- General/

Treasurer-General/Publicity Secretary of

Amawbia Town Union……………………………       51

Schedule 6: Oath of Office for the Central Council of

Amawbia Town Union……………………………       52

Schedule 7: Oath of Office for Member of the Central

Council of Amawbia Town Union………………..     53

Schedule 8: Oath of Office for Principal paid Officers of the

Central Council of Amawbia Town Union……….    54

Schedule 9: List of Standing Committees……………………..   55

 

SECTION 1  – PREAMBLE

 

We the people of Amawbia Town for the purpose of achieving the aims and objectives listed herein under do hereby resolve and give ourselves this Constitution.

 

SECTION 2 – NAME

The Union shall be called Amawbia Town Union, herein after referred to as ATU or simply the “Union”.

 

SECTION 3 – AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

  1. To foster and maintain a spirit of patriotism, fraternity and co- operation among the citizens of Amawbia wherever they may         be.
  2. To promote, develop and sustain the culture, customs and tradition of Amawbia Town.
  3. To protect and defend the rights and interests of Amawbia Town and her citizens.
  4. To undertake Community development projects in Amawbia Town..
  5. To take any other legitimate measures that will promote Peace, Unity and Progress of Amawbia Town.
  6. To co-operate with the relevant organs of Local, State and Federal Governments in all matters affecting the interests and    integrity of the people of Amawbia.

 

SECTION 4 – APPLICATION

This Constitution shall apply to all Amawbia Town citizens at home and abroad. Citizens of Amawbia Town resident abroad,

 

Age Grades and other organizations and associations, may formulate rules and regulations for the conduct of their local affairs. Where such rules conflict with the provisions of this Constitution, the latter shall prevail.

SECTION 5 – MEMBERSHIP

  1. All citizens of Amawbia Town and naturalized “Nwadianas” shall be members of the Union but only taxable or leviable citizens shall constitute the Union’s effective membership.
  2. Any offspring of a daughter of Amawbia Town married to a non – Amawbian, who is unable to return to his/her fatherland,          may be sponsored for naturalization by his/her maternal family in Amawbia Town. He/she shall be adopted as a citizen of Amawbia   Town on approval by the Council of Okokpa Amawbia Town, on the recommendation to that effect made by the Isi–Isiakpu Amawbia  after detailed consideration of the           sponsoring family’s request. The approval of the Council of Okokpa           Amawbia shall be confirmed by the Okpaligwe-in-Council.

 

SECTION 6 – ORGANS OF THE UNION

  1. The Organs of the Union include Central Council, Okokpa Amawbia , Ozo Traditional Institution , Nze Society, Isi–Isiakpu Amawbia, Age Grades, ATU Branches, Eziokwubundu Women Group, Amawbia Youth Vanguard.

 

  1. Central Council membership shall comprise the following: –
  2. The President General.
  3. The Deputy President General.
  4. 1st & 2nd Vice President
  5. The Treasurer – General.
  6. Publicity Secretary.
  7. Financial Secretary-General
  8. One Representative from each registered Age Grade.
  9. Two Representatives from each Village.
  10. Two Representatives from Amawbia Youth Vanguard.
  11. One Representative each from ATU Branches with not  more than twenty members.
  12. Two Representatives each from ATU Branches with more than twenty but not more than fifty members.
  13. Three Representatives each from ATU Branches with more than fifty members.
  14. The Secretary-General and Financial Secretary-General shall be ex-officio members of the Central Council and have no voting rights. Other members of the Central Council shall have voting rights during their meetings.
  15. No person shall represent more than one organization in the Central Council.
  16. Functions of Central Council shall include the following: –
  17. Central Council shall be the executive arm of the ATU responsible for carrying out the decisions of the Union taken at the General Conference,

Emergency Conference as well as Home Meetings (Izu Amawbia).

  1. It shall be responsible for dealing with day-to-day matters of the Town Union and shall co-operate with relevant Government Agencies and other organs to achieve its objectives.
  2. Central Council shall formulate measures designed to enhance the aims and objectives of the Union for the consideration of the General or Emergency Conferences.
  3. It shall coordinate the activities, and exercise overall control of all organs of the Union.
  4. Central Council shall form ad hoc/standing Committees as may be necessary and shall also appoint members of the                     standing/ad hoc Committees as listed in Schedule 9 of this               Constitution which include among others Land Committee,             Security Committee, Legal Committee, Audit Committee and            Budget Committee.
  5. Central Council shall determine the date for induction of New Age Grade during and as part of the Mass Return Festivities.
  6. Central Council shall ensure an Age Grade so constituted shall get itself registered with Central Council on the date of                   its induction, on payment of registration fee that shall from               time to time be determined by the Central Council, provided                  that where such Age Grade fails to comply with payment

 

 

 

of registration fee it shall not be inducted and/or constituted.

  1. Central Council shall ensure the annual renewal of all existing Age Grade registration fees that shall, from time to                    time be determined by the Central Council, provided that                        where such Age Grade fails to comply on or before 31st                          March of each year, shall be appropriately fined and/or such                  Age Grade de-registered and further sanctions taken against such       Age Grade as shall be determined by the Central Council.
  2. Central council shall carryout any other functions as may be             determined by the General Conference or Emergency                       Conference or Home Meeting (Izu Amawbia) from time to                            time.

 

SECTION 7 – ISI – ISIAKPU AMAWBIA

  1. Isi – Isiakpu Amawbia shall constitute one of the major organs of the Union.
  2. Isi–Isiakpu Amawbia membership shall comprise men of appropriate age not up to 75years, subject to selection from each kindred in each village.

 

  1. Functions of Isi–Isiakpu Amawbia shall include the following:-
  2. Isi–Isiakpu shall constitute into an Age Grade at every other mass

return year, which is six yearly, all male citizens of Amawbia who within the said six year period attain the age of 18 years or above, subject to

 

 

the recommendation of the last registered Age Grade, to Isi–Isiakpu.

  1. Isi – Isiakpu shall exercise appellate arbitration over land matters or

disputes bordering on the tradition of the town emanating from Village Isi –Isiakpu, but subject to further appellate arbitration jurisdictions of Okokpa Amawbia and Okpaligwe–in–Council.

  1. Isi – Isiakpu shall regulate and control Amawbia Town Masquerade

institution and shall determine the appropriate    sanctions against defaulters in line with the gravity of the offence and/or default.

  1. Isi–Isiakpu shall amongst others, ensure compliance and

implementation of the orders of the Union.

  1. Isi–Isiakpu shall pursue its traditional functions in harmony with the

aims and objectives of the Union.

  1. Isi – Isiakpu shall control the granting of access road in Amawbia

where there is dispute and equally shall be responsible for creating

new roads in Amawbia.

  1. Isi – Isiakpu shall carryout such assignment as may be authorized by

the Union from time to time.

  1. Isi – Isiakpu shall conduct adequate organization and disciplinary

control of their members.

 

SECTION 8 – AGE GRADE

  1. It shall be compulsory for every Amawbia male citizen to belong to an

Age Grade.

  1. Age Grades shall work towards the achievement of the aims and

objectives of the Union by: –

  1. adequate organization and disciplinary control of their                        members.
  2. carrying out such assignment as may be authorized by the               Union from time to time.

 

SECTION 9 – BRANCHES OF AMAWBIA TOWN UNION

  1. Five or more citizens of Amawbia resident outside Amawbia may form a Branch of the Union and notify the Union’s Headquarters        accordingly. Individuals unable to form a Branch due to paucity of      numbers shall register with the nearest Branch or correspond         direct with the Union’s Headquarters in Amawbia. Union Branches shall represent the Union in various towns or localities in which     they are resident and shall organize Amawbia citizens in those           towns or localities into an effective and virile body to pursue the       aims and objectives of the Union.
  2. It shall be compulsory for every citizen of Amawbia resident abroad to be a member of the local Branch of the Union where     one exists.
  3. Union Branches shall render annual returns of their membership, as at 31st August, each year, showing the following details: –
  4. Nominal roll by kindreds and villages.
  5. List of departures from the Branch since the last returns.
  6. List of new members at the Branch since the last returns.

 

  1. List of Amawbians in the town who have not joined, or who               have been suspended/expelled from the Branch of the                     Union.
  2. The returns shall be forwarded to the Secretary – General                          not later than 30th September of that year, to enable him                              update his records.
  3. Similarly, financial returns of the members of each Branch of            the Union as at 31st December each year, should be                       forwarded to the Financial–Secretary General, and copied to            the Secretary – General giving lists of members, arranged by                kindreds and villages, showing amounts of annual recurrent                    levies, special levies paid, and donations made, during the              year in question, and since the last returns were made.
  4. The returns should be forwarded to reach the financial                       Secretary – General and the Secretary – General, not later               than 31st March of the year immediately following that of the                   returns, to enable them update their records, and compile                            and circulate lists of members eligible to vote and be                      voted for at the next General Conference and elections.

 

SECTION 10 – COUNCIL OF OKOKPA AMAWBIA

  1. Okokpa Amawbia shall be composed of all male citizens who are aged above 75 years.

2i. The  Council  of  Okokpa  Amawbia  shall  comprise  mature

 

men immensely learned in traditional customs and creed of Amawbia town and shall be drawn from Okokpa Amawbia of the villages in accordance with the following quotas to form a twenty one (21) member council viz-:

  • Umueze village 4
  • Ngene village 4
  • Adabebe village 4
  • Umukabia village 3
  • Ezimezi village 3
  • Enuoji village 3

2ii. In the absence of qualified Okokpa from any village, the oldest member of the oldest age grade below Okokpa shall be eligible for membership of the Council.

  1. The Council shall be responsible for the upkeep of the customs and conventional behaviour of all citizens of Amawbia.
  2. The Council shall constitute an appellate body for the resolution of land differences or conflicts in Amawbia emanating from Isi–Isiakpu Amawbia.

SECTION 11 – OZO TITLE SOCIETY OF AMAWBIA

  1. Ozo title society of Amawbia shall comprise citizens who have taken the Ozo Amawbia title, which is the highest traditional title in           Amawbia.
  2. An Ozo Amawbia title aspirant must be a financially up to date member of Amawbia Town Union and must obtain the certificate of      clearance from the Union.
  3. The Constitution of the Ozo title society of Amawbia comprising the conditions for Ozo title taking in Amawbia, the operational Rules and Regulations, the code of conduct, obligations and privileges for Ozo Amawbia title holders, shall be drawn up by the Ozo title society of Amawbia, and submitted to the General Conference for ratification.
  4. The Okokpa Amawbia, Isi – Isiakpu Amawbia and Ndi Nze sitting in joint Council shall be the final appellate body for the resolution       of misunderstandings within the Ozo society of Amawbia or about       Ozo Amawbia title.

 

 

 

 

SECTION 12 – THE TRADITIONAL RULER OF AMAWBIA TOWN

  1. There shall be a traditional ruler in Amawbia Town and he shall be the head of Amawbia Town and shall be a symbol of Unity and solidarity.
  2. He shall be accorded absolute respect and honour by all Amawbia citizens and whenever he enters or rises to leave any gatherings, everybody shall stand, make ovation and remain standing until he is seated or leaves the gathering.
  3. Any defaulter in this regard as in Sub section 2 above, shall be immediately ordered out of the gathering, and shall be liable to a     fine of N1,000.00 (One Thousand  Naira). Furthermore,    he shall      not be admitted thenceforth to any meeting, conference or     gathering of Amawbia Community, until he has paid the fine of

 

N1,000.00 (One Thousand Naira) and purged himself of his   disrespect of the Okpaligwe of Amawbia.

  1. The traditional ruler shall be known and referred to as OKPALIGWE Amawbia and shall bear his first and surnames      proceeded by the designation IGWE and followed by the title      Okpaligwe Amawbia (e.g. Igwe M.O. Okoye, Okpaligwe Amawbia). Should a future Okpaligwe bear the same surname           “Okoye”, then the name shall bear a suffix II or III, Okpaligwe Amawbia, (eg Igwe C. N. Okoye II, Okpaligwe Amawbia)

 

  1. To be eligible for the stool of Okpaligwe, a candidate shall: –
  2. Be a citizen of Amawbia (that is to say, his father must be of             Amawbia origin).
  3. Not be less than 35 years old.
  4. Be married and currently living with his wife, have a befitting house of his own in Amawbia, and shall be ordinarily resident in Amawbia Town.
  5. Be a person of substance with visible means of livelihood.
  6. Not have been convicted by a Court of competent jurisdiction                     of any criminal offence, and shall not have committed any                wrong doing against the traditions and customs of Amawbia               Town, or anything prejudicial to the interests of Amawbia                     Town.
  7. Be prominent in championing the cause of Amawbia Town               and contributing in cash and/or kind

to the development of           the town as well as being an up-to-date financial member of the Union.

  1. Be in apparent good health, physically fit and of sound mind.
  2. Not be an undischarged bankrupts.
  3. Be literate, with minimum academic qualification of West                        African School Certificate (WASC) or its certified equivalent.
  4. Be an Ozo Amawbia title holder and have a suitable “Obu” or           be prepared to meet these conditions before his installation                   date.
  5. Must be a financial up to date member of his village, Age Grade and Town Union.

 

  1. Mode of selection of Okpaligwe of Amawbia shall be as follows:
  2. Okpaligwe-in-Council shall inform the Central Council in writing about the existence of vacancy in the stool of Okpaligwe of Amawbia within one month of his last ofala which in any case will not be more than one year of his death.
  3. Central Council shall announce the vacancy in the stool of Okpaligwe Amawbia and call for applications from aspirants at a home meeting (Izu), as well as by circular letter to Amawbia Town Union branches, Age Grades and other relevant organization within one month of receiving the information from Igwe-in-Council.
  4. Central Council shall receive all applications from aspirants which must be within one month from the date of the circular letter, and all applications shall contain briefs as detailed in Section 12 Sub Section 5 paragraphs a – k of this Constitution.
  5. Central Council shall screen the applicants and present them to Okpaligwe–in–Council within one month of receiving the applications, for further and final screening.
  6. Okpaligwe–in–Council shall after further and final screening return the successful applications to Central Council for election within one month.
  7. Central Council shall appoint the electoral body for the                       conduct of the election of Okpaligwe Amawbia.
  8. The Electoral body so appointed shall be responsible for the           conduct of election of Okpaligwe Amawbia and shall conduct           the said election within three months.
  9. The election of Okpaligwe of Amawbia shall be by secret ballot and only Age Grade members who are financially up to date are eligible to vote.
  10. Any member of the Central Council or Okpaligwe–in–     Council who aspires to the vacant stool of Okpaligwe shall not be present or participate at the meetings for the opening and screening of applications.
  11. The role and decisions of the Central Council and the                        Okpaligwe–in–Council as specified in this

 

 

 

 

Constitution in  the whole process of selecting an Okpaligwe shall be final.

  1.     The stool of Okpaligwe shall rotate among the six villages in                         this order: Umueze, Ngene, Adabebe, Umukabia, Ezimezi                 and Enuoji

 

  1. The installation ceremony of an Okpaligwe elect shall be as follows: –
  2. The central Council shall in consultation with the Okpaligwe              – in – Council after election and subject to the provisions of            this Constitution within two weeks determine the timing of                           Okpaligwe-elect’s installation.
  3. Central Council in consultation with Okpaligwe – in – Council           shall organize all ceremonies relating to the installation of                           the Okpaligwe elect.
  4. The formal installation ceremony of the Okpaligwe of Amawbia shall be solemnly performed on a designated date, and the Regent or the Okpaligwe – in – Council members shall appoint among themselves a person who shall before the General Assembly of Amawbia Community call on the Ezeana from Umukabia Village to put the crown on the Okpaligwe’s head, and also call on the Akajiofor of Ezi Oye Ezimezi Village to present the Okpaligwe with the traditional staff of office (OFO). Thereafter, Okpaligwe shall take the Oath of his office immediately as stipulated in schedule 1 of this Constitution.
  5. The Okpaligwe shall be presented to Government for recognition as soon as possible after his installation by the President –          General accompanied by Okpaligwe – in – Council members of   Amawbia for and on behalf of themselves and the Amawbia        community.
  6. The functions of the Okpaligwe shall involve the following among others: –
  7. Occupy the first position and preside at all ceremonial                        occasions and festivities in Amawbia at which he is present.
  8. Receive important visitors to Amawbia Community.
  9. Up-hold the customs and traditions of Amawbia people in                           consultation and collaboration as appropriate, with relevant              organs and institutions of the town. Serve as a formidable                    force making for stability and moderation in Amawbia town.
  10. See to the maintenance of law and order in Amawbia Town.
  11. Take action to protect the integrity and interests of Amawbia             Town and its people, even if such action may not be covered           by this Constitution. He shall call an emergency Conference               within one month to ratify such an extra-ordinary action.
  12. Encourage development projects, rallying Amawbia                                     Community in the collection of taxes, rates, levies and in                             prosecuting self-help communal projects.

 

 

  1. Confer honorary chieftaincy and other titles on distinguished           citizens and any other persons who are selected and                         recommended from time to time for outstanding services or               contributions to Amawbia Town or to the Nigerian Nation in               any field of human endeavour. Such awards shall be                     recommended by the Central Council to the Okpaligwe in                          Council. The Okpaligwe in Council shall determine the                     grades and titles of Chieftaincy in Amawbia.
  2. Shall be entitled to homage expressed voluntarily in cash                           and/or kind by Amawbia citizens at home and abroad. He                           shall also receive tribute from those on whom he confers                            honorary titles.
  3. Celebrate Okpaligwe day on the last day of the annual feast             of Eziokpaligwe, involving the entire people of Amawbia.                       This shall be the day for conferring honours and Chieftaincy                titles.

 

 

SECTION 13 – TRADITIONAL PRIME MINISTER OF AMAWBIA TOWN

  1. There shall be a Traditional Prime Minister in Amawbia town who shall be second in command to Okpaligwe of Amawbia, and        shall be known and referred to as OSOJEZE of Amawbia Town.

He shall be addressed as in this example thus Chief B. A.              Ibekwe, Osojeze of Amawbia.

  1. The eligibility for the position of Osojeze of Amawbia shall be the same as for the stool of Okpaligwe of Amawbia.
  2. The Osojeze of Amawbia shall be selected by same process as with Okpaligwe Amawbia and shall not be selected from the same          village as the Okpaligwe of Amawbia.
  3. The Central Council shall announce the selection of an Osojeze of Amawbia at home meeting (Izu Amawbia) as well as by the news letter and, equally the Central council in consultation with Okpaligwe–in–Council shall thereafter arrange for the   installation by the Okpaligwe of Amawbia within a period of           ONE MONTH.
  4. Osojeze of Amawbia shall be the next to the Okpaligwe of Amawbia in order of precedence. He shall advise the Okpaligwe       and offer such assistance as the Okpaligwe may desire in carrying        out his functions as the Okpaligwe of Amawbia. Whenever there is a vacancy in the stool of Okpaligwe of Amawbia, the Osojeze     shall function as Regent.
  5. The Position of Osojeze of Amawbia shall be for life unless breached by any of the conditions set out in Section 14 Sub       section 2 paragraphs a – d of this Constitution. In the event of a          vacancy in the stool of Osojeze, the same processes of Okpaligwe       Amawbia selection shall be followed for selecting another      Osojeze     as stipulated in this Constitution.
  6. The code of conduct for the Osojeze of Amawbia shall

be the same as for the Okpaligwe of Amawbia as stipulated in the   relevant Section of this Constitution except on installation, the      Osojeze shall subscribe to and sign the oath of office as in    schedule 2 to this Constitution, to be administered by the         Okpaligwe of Amawbia.

 

 

SECTION 14 – THE OKPALIGWE – IN – COUNCIL

  1. Okpaligwe of Amawbia shall have a Council/cabinet known as the Okpaligwe – in – Council or Okpaligwe’s cabinet who shall assist     and advise him in the exercise of his powers and functions.
  2. The Council/Cabinet shall comprise of the following permanent and non-permanent members as follows: –
  3. Permanent members shall comprise the following: –
  4. Osojeze of Amawbia.
  5.        Ezeana of Amawbia.
  • Akajiofor of Amawbia.
  1. Chairman of the Council of Okokpa.
  2. Chairman of Isi – Isiakpu.
  3. Head of Ozo Amawbia Title Holders.
  • President – General of Amawbia Town Union.
  • Deputy President–General of Amawbia Town Union.
  1. Past President – Generals of Amawbia Town Union.

 

 

 

  1. Non – Permanent members shall comprise the                               following: –
  2.    Two Representative from Umueze Village.
  3. Two Representative from Ngene Village.
  • Two Representatives from Adabebe Village.
  1. Two Representatives from Umukabia Village.
  2. Two Representatives from Ezimezi Village.
  3. Two Representatives from Enuoji Village.
  4. Members of Okpaligwe–in–Council shall not necessarily be a red cap chief.
  5. Non – Permanent members shall hold office for three years and may be eligible for re-election. Central Council reserves the right to      reject the candidature of non-permanent members and the body   concerned shall be obliged to send another representative.          Permanent members shall screen the non-permanent members.
  6. Okpaligwe–in–Council members shall elect a Secretary among the members.
  7. Okpaligwe shall administer the Oath of Office as stipulated in schedule 3 of this Constitution to all members of the Council/Cabinet on the first meeting of the Council. The swearing          in ceremony shall be performed in the presence of the Council of Okokpa and members of the Central council. New members shall    be similarly sworn in on assumption of office.
  8. Okpaligwe shall preside over all meetings of the Council which shall be summoned and held only at his instance or at least two permanent members. Quorum for meetings of the Okpaligwe–in–Council shall be eight which must include at least three permanent members and representatives of   at least three villages.
  9. Non–permanent members of the Okpaligwe–in–Council who are absent from three consecutive meetings of the Council/cabinet, and shall be replaced by the appropriate organ, at          the instance of the Okpaligwe–in–Council.
  10. Okpaligwe–in–Council/Cabinet shall be the final appellate body for settlement of land differences in Amawbia Town.

 

 

SECTION 15 – SUCCESSION, VACANCY AND REGENCY IN THE STOOL OF OKPALIGWE OF AMAWBIA TOWN

  1. The stool of Okpaligwe of Amawbia shall not be hereditary and shall not be successive in one village that have produced the       immediate past Okpaligwe, and shall be rotational among the         villages.
  2. A person ceases to be the Okpaligwe of Amawbia if he shall: –
  3. Fail in any one of the conditions set out in Section 12 Sub –              Section 5 paragraphs a – k of this Constitution.
  4. Resigns the stool.
  5. Be rendered incapable of performing the functions of the office by virtue of medical incapacitation as determined by a team of three government doctors appointed by the Central Council.
  6. Loose the confidence of the Amawbia community.
  7. Subject to Section 15 Sub-section 2 paragraph d, of this Constitution, loss of confidence shall be expressed in a serious          allegation or petition by groups or individuals and shall be          processed in the following manner: –
  8. Central Council shall investigate the allegation and place its              findings before an Emergency Conference of Amawbia Town                    Union called for the purpose.
  9. Okpaligwe shall be given full opportunity to defend himself                either in person or in writing. Emergency Conference shall                decide the guilt or otherwise of the Okpaligwe by two third                    majority of secret vote.
  10. In any of the events mentioned in Section 15 Sub – Section 2 paragraphs a – d of this Constitution, the stool of the Okpaligwe of Amawbia shall be deemed vacant and the Central Council in         Consultation with Okpaligwe–in–Council shall proceed with the          processes of selecting another Okpaligwe as stipulated under the         relevant section of this Constitution.
  11. In the event of a vacancy in the stool of Okpaligwe of Amawbia and before the selection of another Okpaligwe, the Osojeze of       Amawbia shall function as the Regent. The period of Regency      shall not be more than Six Months after the burial ceremonies of a          deceased Okpaligwe or after the date of vacancy caused by other          than death.

 

 

SECTION 16 – CODE OF CONDUCT FOR THE OKPALIGWE OF AMAWBIA

  1. The Okpaligwe shall at all times maintain a dignifying conduct of palpable impartiality, honesty and rectitude.
  2. He shall not eat or drink in public places like drinking parlours or pubs, except when such a place is used as venue for a social or      other public event.
  3. He shall be suitably and properly dressed at all times.
  4. He shall on installation subscribe to, and sign the Oaths of office as in schedule I to this Constitution, to be administered by the          Akajiofor of Amawbia.

 

SECTION 17 – TRUSTEES

  1. Amawbia Town Union shall have Trustees which shall consist of Seven Members.
  2. The Trustees shall ensure the overall safety of the communal land and other properties.
  3. The Trustees shall be the authorized representatives of the Town and shall sign all important memorials and other authorized documents on behalf of the entire citizens of Amawbia Town.

 

SECTION 18 – OFFICERS OF THE UNION

  1. The Union shall have honorary and paid officers as follows: –
  2. Honorary Officers which include: –
  3. President General.
  4. Deputy President – General.

 

 

iii.      1st & 2nd Vice President-Generals

  1. Treasurer – General.
  2. Publicity Secretary.

 

  1. Paid officers which includes: –
  2. Secretary General.
  3. Assistant secretary General.
  • Financial Secretary General
  1. Clerical and Typing staff as may from time to time be approved by the Central Council.
  2. Gong Man.

 

  1. The Central Council shall be responsible for the appointment, discipline or dismissal of all paid officers of the Union in         accordance with the conditions of service approved by the General       Conference. All paid officers shall receive remuneration as shall from time to time be recommended by the Central Council and   approved by the General Conference.
  2. Function of Officers include the following: –
  3. President General shall perform the following functions              as follows: –
  4. He shall be the executive/administrative head of the                           Union and shall preside at all meetings of the Union,                          including home meetings (Izu). He shall on adoption                        sign minutes of meetings of the Union.
  5. He shall summon Central Council meetings,

 

 

and when necessary, Emergency Conferences.

  • He shall have power to instruct any citizen of Amawbia on any matter calculated to enhance the interests of the town and the citizen so instructed shall be bound to carry out such instructions.
  1. On social or other occasions in which the Okpaligwe is present, he shall be third in order of precedence, after the Osojeze Amawbia.
  2. The President General shall live within 200 kilometers of Amawbia.

 

  1. Deputy – President General shall perform the following                functions as follows: –
  2. He shall be resident at home.
  3. He shall have full powers to deal with day to day                                 events of Union at home where the President –                                  General is not available at home.
  • In the absence of the President – General, the deputy President – General shall deputize for him as appropriate.
  1. In the event of permanent absence or disability of President – General, the Deputy President General shall assume full responsibilities of the President – General until the next General Conference.
  2. The Deputy President – General shall deal

with such other matters as may be assigned to him by the President – General.

 

  1. Secretary General shall perform the following functions              as follows: –
  2. He shall be responsible for the day to day running of                          the Union’s secretariat, subject to the overall control                           and direction of the President – General.
  3. He shall record the minutes of all meetings of the                                Union and shall on adoption sign such minutes jointly                        with the President – General.
  • He shall prepare an Annual Report of the activities of the Union and submit this to the General Conference.
  1. He shall maintain an accurate and up-to-date record of all leviable Amawbia citizens in separate official register for each Branch Union and Village, which shall be published not later than January every year for information and verification of Branches and Villages.
  2. He shall keep all Branches of the Union adequately and prompt informed about the activities of the Union by providing the necessary materials to the Publicity Secretary who shall publish the information in the monthly newsletter.
  3. He shall maintain proper record and

 

 

 

custody of all property within the secretariat.

  • He shall exercise day to day control and discipline over all paid officers of the Union.

 

  1. Financial Secretary – General shall perform the                                       following functions as follows: –
  2.         He shall receive on behalf of the Union all monies due                       to the Union and shall maintain an accurate and up –                         to – date account of such monies received.
  3. He shall pay all monies received to the Treasurer –                                     General not later than Twenty-Four Hours after such                          monies are received and shall obtain an official receipt                      from the Treasurer – General for such payments.
  • He shall prepare all payment vouchers and keep duplicate paid vouchers.
  1. He shall maintain a register of individual payments of the annual recurrent and other levies and provide such information to the Secretary – General who shall advise Branch Union three months before the date of every General Conference.
  2. He shall prepare separate lists of both payment and non payments of levies by Amawbia citizens arranged in Branch and villages and shall present the list to the General Conference for appropriate action against defaulters.
  3. He shall render financial report to the Central Council as may be required from time to time but at least once quarterly.

 

 

  1. Assistant Secretary – General shall act as the Secretary – General at all meeting in which the Secretary – General is absent and shall perform such duties as may be delegated to him by the Secretary – General.
  2. Treasurer–General shall perform the following functions as follows: –
  3. He shall receive from the Financial Secretary – General all monies of the Union and shall issue official receipts to cover such monies.
  4. He shall deposit all monies so received into the Bank Account of the Union not later than three days from the date of receipt.
  • He shall maintain an accurate and up – to – date account of monies of the Union and shall keep the Bank passbook and cheque books.
  1. Notwithstanding the provisions of sub-paragraph f(ii) above, he shall keep an imprest account not exceeding N20,000.00 (Twenty Thousand Naira).

 

  1. Publicity – Secretary shall perform the following                            functions as follows: –
  2. He shall strive at all times to project a good image of                          Amawbia Town.
  3. He shall collect information from home and abroad for                       public enlightenment and process public statements to                      be issued by him or the President –with the General,                        after vetting by the latter.
    • He shall refute promptly in consultation President – General or the Deputy President – General, any public statements unfavourable to Amawbia Town.
  1. He shall be responsible for gathering all necessary information and publishing the monthly news letter including maintenance of the Union website.

 

  1. Auditors shall perform the following functions as                          follows: –
  2. Union shall have four Auditors, two of which shall carry                      out the inspectors’ duties while the other two shall                              produce the audit reports.
  3. Auditors shall audit the accounts of Amawbia town                                      union in every six Months.
  • Auditors shall inspect the accounts of Union at least three times a year to ensure proper receipt and expenditure of the Union’s fund in accordance with the decisions and rules of the Union, and ensure that all accounting books and records are properly maintained.
  1. One Audit report covering the period from the last audit report to three months before a

General Conference shall be submitted to the General Conference for consideration.

  1. Auditors shall have easy access to any documents or property of the Union which they may consider relevant to their duties.
  2. Auditors shall not be members of the Central Council as they are expected to be unbiased and objective in reporting on the financial administration of the Union.

 

  1. Gongman or Town Crier shall perform the following                      functions as follows: –
  2. Amawbia Town union shall have a Gongman or Town                       crier resident in Amawbia and shall primarily by means                      of his gong (Ogene) inform the townsfolk of any public                       meeting (Izu) that has been summoned.
  3. He shall similarly disseminate any urgent public                                  information as may be authorized by the Okpaligwe or                       the President – General.

iii.      He shall perform only on the authority of the Okpaligwe                      or the President – General.

 

 

 

SECTION 19 – ELECTION OF HONORARY/ELECTED OFFICERS

  1. Election of Honorary/elected officers of the Union shall be held triennially on the occasion of the Mass Return of Amawbia    citizens.
  2. Nomination of representatives of Villages and other

groups in the      Central Council shall be notified to the Secretary – General in writing at least three months before the Mass Return of Amawbia citizens, and the names of those nominated shall be announced at, and confirmed by the Mass Return Conference.

  1. When a vacancy occurs in any one of the offices of the Union, the Central Council shall fill it temporarily from amongst its members pending the next General Conference when election shall be held    to fill the vacancy, and the person so elected shall serve the          remaining of the triennial election period.
  2. Any group represented in the Central Council shall notify the Secretary General in writing when any of its representatives is/are no longer able to represent it and forward to him the name(s) of its new representatives.
  3. A President – General who loses office through normal process of election or is removed from office shall no longer be eligible to contest for the post of President – General.
  4. Honorary Officers of the Union shall not also hold Branch Union           Offices. Whenever a Branch Official is elected to an       honorary    office of the Union he shall resign his office at the branch    Union.
  5. The result of every election and where applicable, the members of the resultant central Council shall be forwarded in writing by the Secretary – General to the Okpaligwe of Amawbia not later than   three days after the elections.

 

 

 

SECTION 20 – CHANGES OF ADMINISTRATION

  1. Within one month of a new administration, the outgoing President – General shall give the in-coming President–General a         comprehensive handing-over notes. The handing-over notes shall     among others, give detailed status report on the Union’s affairs,      the latest financial statement and balance, outstanding liabilities     and an-to-date inventory of the union’s property. The handing –           over notes shall be signed by both the out-going and the in-coming           President General.
  2. There shall be a transitional period covering two Central Council meetings during which the out-going President General shall be in          attendance for consultation and advice as may be necessary        and/or sought for. The Central Council shall witness the signing of       the handing over notes which shall take place not later than the         second of the two meetings within the transitional period.

 

SECTION 21 – OATH OF OFFICE

  1. The inaugural meetings of the Central Council shall be opened by the Okpaligwe of Amawbia/or Osojeze Amawbia in absence of     Okpaligwe. He shall administer the Oath of Office in the presence         of the permanent members of his Council on the following:
as in schedule 5
as in schedule 4
  1. The President – General
  2. The Deputy/Vice President General

 

 

as in schedule 6
as in schedule 7
  1. Other members of the Central Council.
  2. other officers of the Union

 

  1. A new administration shall not be legitimate until it has been sworn in by the Okpaligwe of Amawbia, or Osojeze Amawbia in     absence of Okpaligwe. New comers to the Central Council shall        take the oath of office before assuming office.
  2. All principal paid officers of the Union shall swear to an appropriate oath of secrecy, loyalty and allegiance.

 

SECTION 22 – REMOVAL OF HONORARY OFFICERS AND CENTRAL COUNCIL MEMBERS: –

  1. The Union shall have the right to remove from office, any officer on grounds of inefficiency, misconduct or dishonesty. In that        connection, action shall be taken as follows: –
  2. Inefficiency: – The removal shall be affected after the                        consideration and approval by a meeting of the Central                     Council specially summoned for the purpose and at which,                   not less than 20 members including the President – General            and representatives of at least two Branches shall be                             present.
  3. Misconduct or Dishonesty: – An officer who has committed            an act of Misconduct or dishonesty shall be suspended                          immediately by a meeting of the Central Council. Thereafter,                    further action shall be taken within two months as in Sub –               Section1(a) above. The person concerned shall in all cases                    be given opportunity to defend himself in writing or in person                or both.
  4. President – General’s Misconduct or Unsatisfactory                     Performance: – Reports concerning misconduct by, or                      unsatisfactory performance of the President – General shall             be forwarded to the Okpaligwe of Amawbia, for investigation                  by the Okpaligwe in Council, which shall determine whether                or not a prima facieses case has been made against the                        President – General. Based on the recommendations of the           Okpaligwe-in-Council, the Okpaligwe shall summon an                            Emergency Conference to consider and take appropriate                            action on the report.
  5. Should the Emergency Conference pass a no confidence vote on the President – General, then the Deputy President – General will automatically step into his shoes as acting President – General, until the next General Conference when another President – General shall be elected to run the remaining of the triennial      election period.

 

 

SECTION 23 – VOTING

All matters on which general agreement is not obtained shall be resolved by show of hands or by secret ballot as may be decided by the meeting, except in respect of elections of officers and amendment of this Constitution where voting shall be by secret ballot only. In the case of parity of votes, the chairman of electoral committee shall have a casting vote.

 

 

SECTION 24 – FINANCE

  1. The Central Council shall prepare an annual budget showing recurrent estimated income and expenditure as well as capital projects, with their estimated costs and anticipated source of     financing them. The budget shall be considered for approval by the General Conference. Any unforeseen expenditures outside the          approved annual budget, shall be considered and approved by the           Central Council subject to a maximum of N200,000.00 (Two   Hundred Thousand Naira) as specified in Section 24 Sub –           Section 5 of this Constitution.
  2. In meeting the aims and objectives of the Union as in Section 2 of      this Constitution, the Union shall raise funds in the form of annual           levies, donations, special levies, rent of communal lands and    property, and through fund raising activities and festivities.
  3. Annual Recurrent levy shall be determined from time to time only by the general conference.
  4. Assessment and collection of levies and contributions from Amawbia citizens’ resident abroad shall by Branches only. In         respect of citizens’ resident at home, assessment and collection          shall be only by Villages. All assessment of citizens shall be    communicated to ATU Headquarters not later than 31st March of       each year; to enable the Central Council prepares the Budget as in Section 23 Sub – Section 1 above.
  5. There shall be annual levy to support the Eziokpaligwe festival, known as the Eziokpaligwe supporting fee, the levy shall be paid   by all Amawbia citizens which shall be determined from time to time by General Conference.
  6. The Central Council shall maintain separate ledgers for all payments in respect of Branches and Villages, and shall on all occasions when such information is published, reflect the       payments according to Branches, and villages with family/kindred sub-ledgers for each Village and Branch .
  7. The following shall be exempted from levies and contributions: –
  8. The Okpaligwe of Amawbia. He shall however, be free to                            make voluntary donation to the town’s funds or sponsor a                           development project.
  9. Amawbia citizens who are applicants abroad duly certified by           their Branches.
  10. unemployed Amawbia citizens below the age of 18 years.
  11. Students not earning any income.
  12. Indigenes at home who apply and are exempted by the                     Central Council.

 

 

 

 

SECTION 25 – CUSTODY OF FUNDS

  1. The union shall have a Bank Account with a commercial Bank approved by the General Conference.
  2. Except for cash imprest of not more than N20,000.00 (Twenty Thousand Naira) all monies of the Union shall be deposited in the   Bank, or invested as may be decided by the Central Council if the         General conference is more than three months from the date of    decision for the investment and provided that such investment is approved by a majority of not less than two thirds of the entire        membership of the Central Council.
  3. The Bank Account of the Union shall be operated by the following officers of the union; the President – General or in his absent the         Deputy President-General, the Treasurer-General and the         Secretary-General, the President-General or the Deputy          President-  General with one other signatory may sign           withdrawals.
  4. The Central Council shall be responsible for the disbursement of all recurrent expenditures and of other expenditure authorized by         the General Conference.
  5. In case of an emergency, expenditures not covered by the General Conference decision shall be authorized by two thirds of         the total membership of the central Council which shall include       representatives of at least two branches.
  6. All expenditures shall be covered by the Union’s Official payment voucher which shall be signed by the President-General or in his          absence the Deputy President-General and the Financial     Secretary-General.

 

SECTION 26 – MEETINGS OF THE UNION

  1. There shall be the following types of meetings as follows: –
  2. General Conference.
  3. Emergency Conference.
  4. Central Council Meetings.
  5. Home Meetings (Izu).
  6. Mass Return General Conference.
  7. All meetings shall be held at Eziokpaligwe Square Amawbia Town Hall or at such other venue as may be decided by the Central       Council or the Okpaligwe of Amawbia, and suitable to all     concerned.

 

SECTION 27 – GENERAL CONFERENCE

  1. The supreme authority of the Amawbia Town Union shall be vested on the General Conference. It shall have powers to do     anything necessary for the attainment of the objectives of the         Union, subject to the provisions of the Constitution.
  2. Attendance at the General conference shall be open to all qualified adult citizens at home as well as members of Amawbia Town Union Branches, Villages and Age Grades, who attend in their           private capacities or as the official representatives of their    Branches, Villages, or Age Grades.
  3. All officials of the Amawbia Town Union Headquarters and members of the Central Council resident at home shall attend the      General Conference.
  4. Official representatives at the General Conference who shall present accreditation letters shall be as follows: –
  5. Amawbia Town Union Branches with not more than 20                      members shall be at least one delegate.
  6. Amawbia Town Union Branches with membership of more                than 20 but not more than 50 shall be at least two delegates.
  7. Amawbia Town Union Branches with more than 50 members           shall be at least three delegates.
  8. All registered Age Grade shall be five delegates from each               Age Grade.
  9. All Villages shall be five delegates from each Village.
  10. Any organization as in this Section 26 Sub – Section 4 above which fails to send a complete delegation to the General Conference without an acceptable excuse shall be penalized the      sum of N5,000.00 (Five Thousand Naira).
  11. Each official of Amawbia Town Union Headquarters and members of the Central Council resident at home who fails to attend General Conference shall be penalized the sum of N2,000.00 (Two Thousand Naira).
  12. Representatives as listed in this Section 26 Sub-Section 4 and official of Amawbia Town Union Headquarters shall be liable to a fine of N100.00 (One Hundred Naira) per person for lateness at     meetings of the General Conference. A member shall be regarded         as being late if he arrives after the opening prayers.

 

  1. The duties of the General Conference shall be as follows: –
  2. It shall ratify where necessary the actions of the central                     council and take other measures necessary for the                                      attainment of the objectives of the Amawbia Town Union and           in particular consider the following matters: –
  3. Presidential Address.
  4. Secretary General Annual Report.
  • Financial Secretary General Report.
  1. Audit Report.
  2. Election of Honorary officers of the Union and ratification of Central Council representatives of organization, where necessary to fill vacancies which might have occurred during the year.
  3. Budget Presentation by the President General.
  • Other matters that may be on the Agenda.

 

  1. General Conference shall be held during the month of                       December every year and the Central Council shall be                       responsible for summoning and organizing it. At least two                           months notice shall be given for a General Conference to                           Branches, Villages, Age grades and other relevant                                       organizations.
  2. All the Conference materials shall be circulated to all                          participants along with the notice and agenda of the General           Conference.

SECTION 28 – EMERGENCY CONFERENCE

  1. Apart from the General Conference, either of the following shall direct the summoning of Emergency Conference as the need        arises: –
  2. The President General.
  3. Three members of Central Council.
  4. A joint request in writing to the Central Council by at least                            Three Chairmen of Villages, and/or age Grades or Branches,           and the Central Council shall compelled to summon such                      meeting.
  5. Official representatives at Emergency Conference shall be at the rate of half of those for the General Conference.
  6. The Secretary – General shall ensures that all Branches, Villages and Age Grades are promptly informed of any Emergency Conference.
  7. It shall be compulsory for every Branch to attend Emergency Conference. Failure to attend shall be liable to a fine of half the penalties for the General Conference.
  8. Emergency Conference shall have the same powers as General Conference and shall deal only with matters for which is summoned.

 

 

SECTION 29 – CENTRAL COUNCIL MEETINGS

  1. Meetings of the Central Council shall be held at least once every month or at the instance of the President – General on in his         absence, the Deputy President-General.
  2. Lateness at meetings of the Central Council shall attract a fine of N100.00 per person, payable on the spot. A member shall be       deemed to be late if he arrives after the opening prayers.
  3. Intention to be absent from Central Council meetings should be communicated to the Secretary-General in writing, giving reasons   for the intended absence. The Central Council shall consider the       plea for approval or rejection.
  4. All absence not approved by the Central Council shall be subject to a penalty of N200.00, payable on the next attendance of meeting by the offender.
  5. Sponsors of any member who is absent at more than two consecutive meetings of the Central Council without acceptable         reasons, shall be requested to replace the offending        representative.

 

SECTION 30 – HOME MEETINGS (IZU)

  1. The Izu shall be a meeting of all citizens of Amawbia at home summoned to inform, discuss and resolve current issues affecting the town. The Izu shall be summoned at the instance of the Okpaligwe, the President-General or in his absence the Deputy-  President General.
  2. The Isi – Isiakpu or the Council of Okokpa subject to Okpaligwe or the President General approval or in his absence, the Deputy       President General provided that Okpaligwe, President General or       in his absence Deputy President General shall be informed of         every proposed Izu.

 

 

 

SECTION 31 – MASS RETURN

  1. There shall be a Compulsory Mass Return of all Amawbia citizens abroad with their family once every three years.
  2. The said Mass Return period shall coincide with the General Conference for that year.
  3. The Publicity Secretary shall publicize the timing and programme for each Mass Return.
  4. The Central Council shall be responsible for summoning and organizing the Mass Return activities including its General Conference for which it shall give two months notice and provide all relevant information.

 

SECTION 32 – EZIOKPALIGWE FESTIVAL

  1. The Eziokpaligwe Festival shall be celebrated every year during the month of March to usher in the year’s farming season. The     Central council shall be responsible for the timing and organization        of the festival.

 

 

 

  1. Participations in the festival at Eziokpaligwe square shall be mandatory for all citizens at home.
  2. All, shops belonging to Amawbia citizens shall be closed from 12noon to 6pm on Eziokpaligwe days.

 

SECTION 33 – QUORUM FOR MEETINGS

  1. The quorum at the General Conference shall be 50 provided that at least three Branches of the Union are represented.
  2. The quorum for an Emergency Conference shall be 25, provided that at least two Branches of the Union are represented.
  3. The quorum for Central Council meetings shall be 15 members as well as the representatives of at least one Branch of the Union.

 

SECTION 34 – PUBLICITY

  1. There shall be a monthly newsletter which shall contain summaries of decisions taken at the Central Council meetings and major news events from home and abroad. Copies shall be        distributed free to all Branches, Villages, Age Grades and          members of the central Council. Other members requiring copies        shall receive supply on payment of an amount as shall from time to           time determined by the Central Council.
  2. There shall be an annual summary of the Town’s activities, its people and achievements, prepared in the form of an article for          general circulation through the mass/social media. The article    which shall be prepared by the Publicity Secretary shall be approved by the President-General.

 

 

SECTION 35 – PENALTIES FOR NON-PAYMENT OF LEVIES

  1. Branch Unions, Villages and Age Grade shall take appropriate measures to motivate their members to pay their duties.
  2. Any citizen who, regardless of such measures, fails to pay the Annual Recurrent Levy for more than the year of a current General     Conference, and any special levies or fines for such periods as      may be defined at the time of levy or imposition or if abroad, fails           to enroll in his Branch Union, shall: –
  3. Not be allowed to make any improvement whatsoever or                             howsoever in Amawbia Town land.
  4. Not be permitted to speak, vote or be voted for at any                         meeting or conference of the Amawbia Town Union.
  5. Be expelled from the meeting of his Village, Branch Union,               Age Grade, kindred and other Associations in Amawbia.
  6. On his death, and if qualified, be buried by members of                     his/her religious sect only. There shall be neither pre, nor                            post burial mourning/condolence visits (ndasu/idabani/okwukwa/mgbalu)             except by members of his/her immediate family (Ndi Ime                         Uno not Umunna).

 

 

  1. Any citizen who contravenes section 34 Sub – Section 1 (d) above shall pay the sum of N50,000.00 within three months or face consequences as shall be decided by the Central Council. The Isi          – Isiakpu shall monitor contravention of Section 34 Sub – section          1(d) above in each, Village and ensure payment of the penalty     N50,000.00.

 

 

SECTION 36 – UNPARTRIOTIC ACTS

  1. All decisions of the Amawbia Town Union shall be binding on all citizens. Any grievances by individuals or groups against the town        shall be settled internally, and not be subject of any kind of   litigation in courts.
  2. Any deliberate act against the aims and objectives set out in Section 3 of this Constitution shall be regarded as sabotage      against the town.
  3. Any offence committed under this Section shall be subject to the penalties as set out in Section 34 Sub Section 2(a) – (d) of this      Constitution. Such offenders who subsequently demonstrate     genuine repentance, shall be cleared and re-admitted on full          payment of all dues, fines and any other conditions as may be      determined by the Central Council.
  4. Expulsions consequent on offences against Sections 34 and 35 shall           result in the loss of all rights and privileges.

 

 

 

 

SECTION 37 – ORDER OF PRECEDENCE IN AMAWBIA

  1. In terms of status within Amawbia, the following order of precedence for personalities shall apply: –
  2. The Okpaligwe of Amawbia.
  3. The Osojeze of Amawbia (Traditional Prime Minister).
  4. The President-general of Amawbia Town Union.
  5. The Deputy President-general of Amawbia Town Union.
  6. Members of the Okpaligwe’s Council.
  7. Traditional Title Holders (Nze na Ozo).
  8. Chieftaincy Title Holders.
  9. Members of the Central Council.

 

SECTION 38 – AMENDMENTS TO THIS CONSTITUTION

  1. Amendments to this Constitution shall be made only by the General Conference.
  2. Any proposed amendment shall first be circulated to all ATU Branches, Village, and Age Grades at least Three Months before General Conference. All comments from ATU Branches, Villages,       and Age grades shall be received and documented at least one     month before the General Conference.
  3. An amendment to this Constitution shall be valid only if accepted by two thirds of the votes of eligible members present at the      General Conference at which it is considered.

 

 

 

  1. Matters not specifically covered by the provisions of this constitution and which shall not involve the amendment of this          Constitution, may be deliberated upon and decided, and subject to         approval by simple majority of the members present at a properly        constituted meeting of the Union, shall be valid decisions of the Union.

 

 

 

 

SECTION 39 – COMMENCEMENT

This revised version of the 1987 Constitution of Amawbia Town Union was passed by the Mass Return General Conference of Amawbia Town Union held at ………………………………………………………………. This Constitution shall take immediate effect and notwithstanding its provisions, all actions and decisions of the Union prior to the passing of this version remain valid and binding.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SCHEDULE 1

 

OATH OF OFFICE FOR THE OKPALIGWE OF AMAWBIA

 

I,………………………………………………………  a citizen of Amawbia having been installed as the Okpaligwe of Amawbia, do hereby solemnly declare that I will at all times, faithfully discharge the functions of my office as Okpaligwe of Amawbia in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution of Amawbia town Union dealing with the Traditional Ruler of Amawbia Town.

I will preserve truth and justice and observe, obey and uphold the customs and traditions of Amawbia Town. I will protect the interests and integrity of Amawbia Community and Town, which I will always place above those of any other town, or person or section of Amawbia Town. I will protect, defend and uphold the Constitution of Amawbia Town Union.

I will relinquish the stool of Okpaligwe of Amawbia whenever so required by the Amawbia Community in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution of Amawbia Town.

Finally, I pledge my loyalty to the Amawbia community, the Government of Anambra State and the federal government of Nigeria.

 

So help me God.     

 

 

SCHEDULE 2

OATH OF OFFICE FOR OSOJEZE OF AMAWBIA

(TRADITIONAL PRIME MINISTER)

I,…………………………………………………a citizen of Amawbia having been installed as the Osojeze of Amawbia, do hereby solemnly declare that I will at all times, faithfully discharge the functions of my office as Osojeze of Amawbia in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution of Amawbia Town Union.  I will assist and support the Okpaligwe of Amawbia in the discharge of his functions, and will truthfully and honestly offer to the Okpaligwe of Amawbia such advice as will in the circumstances be in the overall interest of Amawbia Community and Town. I will relinquish the position of Osojeze of Amawbia whenever so required by the Amawbia community in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution of Amawbia Town.

 

Finally, I pledge my loyalty to the Amawbia community in general.

 

So help me God.     

 

 

SCHEDULE 3

OATH OF OFFICE FOR MEMBER OF OKPALIGWE’S COUNCIL

 

I,…………………………………………………a citizen of Amawbia having been installed as a Member of the Okpaligwe’s Council of Amawbia Town, do hereby solemnly declare that I will at all times, faithfully assist and/or support the Okpaligwe of Amawbia in the discharge of his functions. I will truthfully and honesty offer to the Okpaligwe such advice as will in the circumstances be in the overall interest of Amawbia Community and Town. I shall cease to be a member of the Council as soon as I lose the position by which I become a member of found wanting by the Okpaligwe 1 of Amawbia Town.

 

Finally, I pledge my loyalty to Amawbia community.

 

So help me God.     

 

 

SCHEDULE 4

OATH OF OFFICE FOR THE PRESIDENT-GENERAL

 OF AMAWBIA TOWN UNION

 

I,…………………………………………………a citizen of Amawbia having been elected as the President-General of Amawbia Town Union for the three year period beginning 1st January, 20…………., do hereby solemnly declare that I will at all times, faithfully discharge the functions of my office as President-General, as provided for in the Constitution of Amawbia Town Union. I will preserve truth and justice and ensure impartiality in all my decisions. I will protect the interests and integrity of Amawbia Community and Town, which I will always place above those of any other towns or persons or sections of Amawbia Town. I will protect, defend and uphold the Constitution of Amawbia Town Union. I shall cease to function as President-General at the end of my term of office unless I am re-elected or if my term of office is terminated in accordance with the Constitution of Amawbia Town Union.

 

Finally, I pledge my loyalty to the Amawbia Community.

 

So help me God.    

 

SCHEDULE 5

OATH OF OFFICE FOR THE DEPUTY PRESIDENT-GENERAL/TREASURER-GENERAL/PUBLICITY SECRETARY OF THE TOWN UNION

 

I,…………………………………………………a citizen of Amawbia, having been elected as the Deputy President-General/Treasurer/Publicity Secretary of Amawbia town Union for the period beginning ………………… do hereby solemnly declare that I will at all times, faithfully discharge the functions of my office as Deputy President-General/Treasurer/Publicity Secretary, as provided for in the Constitution of Amawbia town Union. I will assist and/or support the President-General in the discharge of legitimate functions and will truthfully and honestly offer to the President-General, such advice as will in the circumstances be in the overall interest of Amawbia Community and Town. I shall cease to function as Deputy President-General/treasurer-General/Publicity Secretary, at the end of my term of office unless I am re-elected or if my term of office is terminated in accordance with constitution of Amawbia Town Union.

 

Finally, I pledge my loyalty to Amawbia Community.

 

So help me God.  

 

 

SCHEDULE 6

OATH OF OFFICE FOR THE CENTRAL COUNCIL

OF AMAWBIA TOWN UNION

 

I,…………………………………………………a citizen of Amawbia, having been elected for the period beginning ………………… as a member of the Central Council of Amawbia Town Union, do hereby solemnly declare that I will at all times, faithfully discharge the functions of my membership of the Central Council as provided for in the Constitution of Amawbia Town Union.  I will ensure truth, justice and impartiality in all my actions and in the decisions and actions of the Central Council. I will do my best to protect the interests and integrity of Amawbia Community and Town, which I will always place above those of any other town or person or section of Amawbia Town.

 

I shall cease to function as a member of the Central Council at the end of my term of office unless I am re-elected or if my term of office is terminated in accordance with the Constitution of Amawbia Town Union.

 

Finally, I pledge my loyalty to Amawbia community.

 

So help me God.     

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SCHEDULE 7

 

OATH OF OFFICE FOR MEMBER OF THE CENTRAL COUNCIL

OF AMAWBIA TOWN UNION

 

I,…………………………………………………a citizen of Amawbia, having been elected for the period beginning ………………… as a member of the Central Council of Amawbia Town Union, do hereby solemnly declare that I will at all times, faithfully discharge the functions of my membership of the Central Council as provided for in the Constitution of Amawbia Town Union.  I will ensure truth, justice and impartiality in all my actions and in the decisions and actions of the Central Council. I will do my best to protect the interests and integrity of Amawbia Community and Town, which I will always place above those of any other town or person or section of Amawbia Town.

 

I shall cease to function as a member of the Central Council at the end of my term of office unless I am re-elected or if my term of office is terminated in accordance with the Constitution of Amawbia Town Union.

 

Finally, I pledge my loyalty to Amawbia Community.

 

So help me God.     

 

 

 

 

 

SCHEDULE 8

 

OATH OF OFFICE FOR PRINCIPAL PAID OFFICERS OF THE CENTRAL COUNCIL OF AMAWBIA TOWN UNION

 

I,…………………………………………………a citizen of Amawbia, having been appointed to the paid office of …………………… of Amawbia Town Union, do hereby solemnly declare that I will at all times, faithfully discharge the functions of my office as provided for in the Constitution of Amawbia Town Union.  I will ensure truth, justice honesty and impartiality in all my actions, and in the decision of the Central Council of Amawbia and Amawbia Community. I will do my best to protect the interest and integrity of Amawbia Community and Town, which I will always place above those of any other town or person or section of Amawbia Town. I will always keep secret; all matters that come to my knowledge by virtue of my office, unless authorized to divulge such matters.

 

 

Finally, I pledge my loyalty to Amawbia Community.

 

So help me God.     

 

 

 

 

 

SCHEDULE 9

 

LIST OF STANDING COMMITTEES

 

 

  1. Land Committee.
  2. Security Committee.
  3. Legal Committee.
  4. Audit Committee.
  5. Budget Committee.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SIGNED

____________________                                       ____________________

Dr. John Ndibe                                                        Barr. Agozie Okonkwo

Chairman                                                                  Secretary

Constitution Review Committee                            Constitution Review Committee

 

 

 

 

_____________________

Mr. Anthony Muo

Secretary General, Amawbia Town Union

 

 

 

 

________________________

Engr. Chris Nwoye

President-General

Amawbia Town Union

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