A coalition of Civil Society Organizations in Enugu State has called upon Governor Peter Mbah to intervene in the growing crisis in Obuno-Uno, Akpugo community, located in the Nkanu East Local Government area of the state.
During a press conference held in Enugu, the groups made this appeal, with their leader, Comrade Onyebuchi Igboke, addressing the media.
They accused the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Deacon Okey Ogbodo, of disregarding existing laws and procedures in the process leading to the issuance of a certificate of recognition to a traditional ruler for the community.
Igboke expressed concern that such actions could incite communal unrest in some communities, describing the development as worrisome.
He voiced worry about the imposition of leaders on communities without elections, citing its potential to endanger the peace and security of the people.
“The action of the Commissioner is highly discriminatory and capable of scuttling peace, causing chaos and disunity,” stated Igboke.
“On the 18th of October, 2023, the Commissioner unilaterally awarded a certificate of return of the Igweship stool of Obuno-Uno Akpugo to Mr. Jack Nwatu without an election, in a most unacceptable manner,” he added.
“These acts of exclusion and discrimination were carried out by the Commissioner despite the pendency of the following suits on the matter: Suit No: E/132/2019, E/30M/2020, HAG 13/2022.”
“In light of these developments, we demand that the election of the Igwe of Obuno Uno should be conducted democratically via Option A4 or any other transparent voting pattern that will guarantee the right to vote and be voted for in accordance with the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Igboke continued.
“We also urge the Christian Association of Nigeria, Enugu Leaders of Thought, Labour Union, International Organization, Human Rights Groups and Defenders, and people of goodwill to join hands with the coalition in restoring human dignity and values in Enugu State,” he added.
“The coalition is issuing a one-week ultimatum for the immediate sack/suspension of the Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Local Government Affairs, Deacon Okey Ogbodo.”
“We demand an immediate withdrawal of the purported certificate of return issued by the Commissioner,” he continued.
“We urge the Association of Local Government of Nigeria, ALGON, Enugu State to ban the Commissioner from the ongoing local government tour across the state where he claimed to be embarking on a familiarization tour and community dispute resolution, but is turning around to instigate a crisis.”
The coalition urged Governor Peter Mbah to constitute a panel of inquiry comprising civil society, labour unions, government officials, and other people of integrity to unravel their claims.
Meanwhile, tension prevails in Obuno-Uno Autonomous Community over the alleged issuance of a certificate of recognition to one Chief Jack Nwatu without following due process, as earlier reported by Media Talk Africa.
Efforts to obtain a reaction from the commissioner earlier were unsuccessful, as he did not respond to text messages.
