A Coalition of Civil Society Organizations in Enugu State have urged Governor Peter Mbah to wade into the crisis brewing in Obuno-Uno, Akpugo community, in Nkanu East Local Government area of the State.
The groups made the appeal at a press conference addressed in Enugu by their leader, Comrade Onyebuchi Igboke.
They accused the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Deacon Okey Ogbodo of jettisoning existing laws and procedures in the process leading to the issuance of certificate of recognition to a traditional ruler for the community.
Igboke, who described the development as worrisome, expressed concern that such actions could breed communal unrest in some communities.
He said imposition of leaders on communities without election was capable of endangering peace and security of the people.
“The action of the Commissioner is highly discriminatory and capable of scuttling peace, causing chaos and disunity.
“The Commissioner on 18th October, 2023, in a most unacceptable manner unilaterally awarded a certificate of return of the Igweship stool of Obuno-Uno Akpugo to Mr Jack Nwatu without election.
“These acts of exclusion and discrimination were carried out by the Commissioner in defiance to or indeed not minding the pendency of the following suits on the matter, viz:
Suit No: E/132/2019, E/30M/2020, HAG 13/2022.
“He equally jettisoned progress made in the process, agreement reached by all aspirants, including presentation of aspirants to the local government.
“In light of these developments we therefore 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.
“We equally urge 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.
“The coalition is issuing a one-week ultimatum, for an immediate sack/suspension of the Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Local Government Affairs, Deacon Okay Ogbodo.
“We demand for an immediate withdrawal of the purported certificate of return issued by the Commissioner.
“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 familiarisation tour and community dispute resolution, but turning around to instigate crisis.”
The Coalition urged the Governor Peter Mbah to constitute a panel of inquiry that would comprise the civil society, labour unions, government officials and other people of integrity to unravel their claims.”
Meanwhile, DAILY POST earlier reported that there is tension in Obuno-Uno Autonomous Community over the alleged issuance of a certificate of recognition to one Chief Jack Nwatu without following due process.
However, efforts made earlier to obtain reaction from the commissioner yielded no result as he did not respond to text messages.
