By Karen James
In a community gripped by frustration and unrest, Igwe Ernest Mmaduagwuna of Awba Ofemili has sparked outrage with his actions, prompting residents to take to the streets in protest. The people of Awba Ofemili, unwilling to tolerate his excessive behavior any longer, marched to the Anambra State Government House to send a desperate plea for intervention to Governor Soludo.
At the heart of the matter lies
Igwe Mmaduagwuna's controversial decision to impose his chosen candidate, Mr.
Fidelis Chinedu Mmegbene, as the community's President-General (PG).
Had Igwe Mmaduagwuna's choice
emerged through a transparent town union election process, the people of Awba
Ofemili might have accepted him as their PG. However, they are rebelling
against his authority because he did not secure his position through a fair and
transparent process.
During the Awba Ofemili town
union election, Hon Ignatius Okafor, an influential APGA stalwart who
effectively coordinated Prof. Soludo's 2021 governorship election campaign,
emerged as the preferred candidate. Sensing defeat, Igwe Mmaduagwuna instigated
Hon Thankgod, the official overseeing the election, to cancel the process.
Assurances were given that a new election date would be communicated to the
people.
However, under the cover of
darkness, Igwe Mmaduagwuna and his cohorts conducted a sham election around 6
to 7 pm, unopposed, resulting in the emergence of Mr. Fidelis Chinedu Mmegbene
as the PG of Awba Ofemili. This deceitful action by Igwe Mmaduagwuna and his
allies is strongly condemned. Their actions have disrupted the peaceful
coexistence of the community, leading the people of Awba Ofemili to threaten
drastic measures.
In their quest for justice, the
aggrieved community members embarked on a protest march to the government
house, expressing their displeasure at Igwe Mmaduagwuna's unscrupulous
behavior. The burning question remains: why is Igwe Mmaduagwuna so determined to
impose his preferred candidate as the PG of Awba Ofemili?
Why is he seemingly at odds
with Hon Ignatius Okafor, who played a pivotal role in delivering Governor
Soludo's 2021 election victory? The obvious answer is that Igwe Mmaduagwuna
likely has skeletons in his closet, shying away from an independent-minded
character like Hon Ignatius Okafor assuming the PG position.
However, Awba Ofemili residents
are resolute in their stance. They firmly believe that for peace and sanity to
be restored in their community, Igwe Mmaduagwuna must step down. They assert
that his excessive behavior has been the root cause of the current crisis. Igwe
Mmaduagwuna cannot continue to act as a law unto himself.
It is imperative that the
government intervene and reprimand his actions to restore order and harmony in
Awba Ofemili. The people's demand for justice and accountability must not be
overlooked.
In conclusion, the unfolding
crisis in Awba Ofemili community underscores the importance of transparent,
democratic processes in choosing community leaders. Igwe Mmaduagwuna's
disregard for these principles has ignited tension and unrest. The community's
demand for change and the need to rein in Igwe Mmaduagwuna's excesses are
fundamental to restoring peace to Awba Ofemili. The government must heed their
pleas for intervention and ensure justice prevails.
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