Nwanosike Onu, Awka & Emma Elekwa, Onitsha
People of Ifitedunu in Dunukofia Local Government Area of Anambra State have dismissed reports alleging crisis in the area following the conduct of the town union election.
The community asked those behind the rumour to desist henceforth, insisting that there was no crisis in the area.
Speaking on Friday during a peaceful protest at the government house Awka, leader of the community, Steven Ufoaroh said the protest was informed by an earlier protest by a group that claimed to be indigenes of the town, alleging harassment and lack of peace in the community.
He accused losers of the election of being behind the purported crisis as well as plotting to remove the current town union leadership, insisting that the leaders were democratically elected and should be allowed to perform.
He said, “The present executive overwhelming won the election on December 31. After the election, we began to hear that those who lost were not satisfied and began to antagonise the elected executive.
“Recently, there were rumours of plots to remove the democratically elected executive of the town union. Individuals cannot just wake up to write a petition against a community they belong to.
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“The people of the town deemed it necessary to come to officially let the government know that the leaders were democratically elected and should be allowed to do their work.
“Those who felt aggrieved are free to come for settlements. It’s not a winner takes all we’re talking about. But let there be peaceful coexistence. You can see the protesters comprise the elders, custodians of the community, women, and youths.
“Election comes and goes. We’re not arguing that the executive are doing wonderfully well. But to remove democratically elected officials just because people complained is not fair.
“We plead with the government to set up a fact-finding committee to investigate the complainant and come up with their findings.”
Reacting, Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Solo Chukwulobelu thanked the protesters for their peaceful conduct, promising to relate their grievances to the Chairman, Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs responsible for town union elections.
“Obiano is a peace-loving governor who insists on the truth and justice. Be rest assured that justice will be done to the matter,” he said.
