By Nkechi Ojukwu
The former Community Laison Officer, CLO, of Ezihe autonomous community in Isiala Mbano Local Government Area, Elder Charles Chinedu Ekpemadu
has alleged that the imposition of a new President General ,PG and youth leader in the community by the LGA chairman, Chika Okoroike, has sparked tension within the community.
Ekpemadu who spoke to newsmen in his Ezihe country home recently, expressed concern that the situation may lead to further divisions and instability within Ezihe community.
He equally expressed concerns about the alleged role of the LGA chairman, saying that the chairman should be more concerned about maintaining peace, stability and respecting traditional and community leadership structures and process, as well as effective conflict resolution mechanism for addressing disputes.
Shading light on the alleged dispute in Ezihe, Ekpemadu said, “The community had issues with the incumbent President General, Apostle Kenneth Njoku, leading to a meeting to discuss his low performance last December in Chief Sam Uwandu’s house, and an interim administration was agreed upon, with Barr. Uzondu Osunwa appointed as the interim President General.
According to reports, Hon. Okoroike, the LGA chairman, refused to recognize the interim government. Instead he instructed them to conduct elections.”
On the timing of the elections in Ezihe autonomous community, Elder Ekpemadu hinted, that “an electoral committee was set up to conduct elections since the LGA chairman insisted despite that according to the community’s constitution, elections typically hold on December 26, when tenures elapse.
He also alleged that Hon. Okoroike instructed the committee to conduct elections on March 31, 2025, allegedly violating the constitution.
He said following the development, the Traditional Prime Minister, TPM, Hon. Chinedu Ekpe and other leaders of the community pleaded with the electoral committee to suspend the election due to a scheduled burial ceremony, of their illustrious son, late Chief Esomonu Mbaduabuchi just to accord him last respect.
It was gathered that the the electoral committee chairman, Sir.Michelle Nwachukwu allegedly insisted on proceeding.
Elder Ekpemadu stressed on the importance of adhering to constitutional provisions and community norms as well as the need to respect traditional and cultural practices, such as burial ceremonies of notable leaders in their community.
According to him,”personally I called to advise against proceeding with the election to avoid violence drawing from my experience as CLO. The chairmen of four villages, Eziukwu, Umuohaji, Umuozuha and Mbaraigro, insisted that the election date should be shifted, but their request was ignored and despite opposition, the election was conducted on March 31, with only two communities participating.”
Speaking further, he said he was worried that the executive chairman of Isiala Mbano LGA would allegedly neglect the importance of inclusive participation in community decision-making processes, the need for dialogue and compromise to avoid conflicts and the challenge of balancing community norms with external expectations.
“Hon. Chika Okoroike imposed a new youth leader, replacing the incumbent ,Ifeanyi Madosque Maduforo, who had been in office for less than four months, but the community resisted the imposition, and Okoroike sent police officers to apprehend the youth leader of Eziukwu. Fortunately, the Traditional Prime Minister (TPM) of Ezihe autonomous community, Hon. Chinedu Ekpe, intervened to rescue the situation.
A youth, popularly known as “Buhari,” made threats of violence, including harm to individuals and property,” Ekpemadu further alleged
Elder Ekpemadu emphasized the importance of peace and unity in Ezihe autonomous community, urging against violence and requesting that Hon. Okoroike refrain from using the community for alleged political purposes.
He stressed that town union meetings and elections are internal matters, quite separate from government interference, while also advocating for adherence to the community’s constitution and existing structures, rather than external imposition.
He described the role of Hon. Paul Igbokwe, representing Osuowere Ward 2, as the appropriate channel for addressing issues with the LGA chairman.
Ekpemadu said the situation underscores the importance of, respecting the autonomy of communities to handle their internal affairs, while encouraging peaceful resolution of disputes, adherence to established procedures and ensuring that leaders prioritize the well-being and unity of their communities.
Ekpemadu charged the youths of the area on the importance of peace and adherence to their constitution.
He urged the youths to remain peaceful and avoid being used to incite violence.
He also insisted that elections should be conducted in line with constitution of the community, which would involve all six towns that make up Ezihe Autonomous Community and all relevant stakeholders.
He declared the previous election that produced the purported President General as null and void, calling for a new election that follows constitutional procedures.
Add…
