… rescind decision, make consultations – former PG Nweke begs Soludo
By Joseph Albert (Umunna TV)
Following sundry charges preferred against him by the traditional ruler of Ifitedunu in Dunukofia Local Government Area of Anambra State, Igwe Dr Emeka Ilouno, during a thank-you-visit to Governor Chukwuma Soludo, one-time President-General of the community, Mr Samuel Nweke, has offered more insights into the brewing crisis in the community.
Recall that for reinstating deposed President-General of Ifitedunu, Mr Uchenna Nwoye, Igwe Ilouno led a delegation of members of the community on the visit to the Governor at the Government House Awka, where they commended him for restoring order in the community.
Leading the delegation, Igwe Ilouno, who said that the Governor’s action is justice to Ifitedunu and hope of the common man, recalled how Mr Nwoye was illegally removed from office by forces bent on plunging the community into crisis, adding that those who opposed the lawlessness were silenced with police intimidation, with some still languishing in custody.
He accused the a former President-General of the community, Mr Nweke, of not rendering account of his stewardship to the community, and being a willing tool for those trying to plunge the community into avoidable crisis.
Contributing, the Chairman of Nze na Ozo Ifitedunu society, and Chairman of Nigerian Union of Pensioners, Dr Anthony Ugozor, said by offering solution to Ifitedunu community problem, the Governor has demonstrated that he has solutions to other issues in the state and beyond.
Others, including Chief Innocent Nweke and Mrs Patricia Ufoaroh, on behalf of Umuada Ifitedunu, thanked the governor for restoring peace in the community, urging him to also look into illegal detention of other members of the community.
Receiving the delegation on behalf of the State Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, a staff of the Ministry, Mr Henry Nwasike, who assured that Governor Soludo, being a man of rule of law and due process, is determined to enthrone peace in all communities in the state, promised that government will look into other issues raised by members of the community, with a view to bringing lasting peace in Ifitedunu community.
When Umunna TV contacted Mr Nweke over allegations levelled against him, he highlighted developmental projects executed during his tenure, alleging that Igwe Ilouno’s grouse with him was for saying no to the business of diverting funds meant for community development, and dared him to report to antigraft agencies if he has any case of fund embezzlement against him.
On using police to intimidate people in the community, Mr Nweke said those being detained by security operatives have questions to answer over crisis he accused Igwe Ilouno and Mr Nwoye of instigating in the community, wondering why the traditional ruler has not implemented report of truth, peace and reconciliation committee that faulted election of Mr Nwoye, which he said was conducted by indigenous clergymen.
He faulted the reinstatment of Mr Nwoye as the President-General of Ifitedunu, noting that no consultations were made before the decision was taken by the State Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, who he claimed is a bossom friend of Mr Nwoye.
While calling on the Governor to take special interest in the brewing crisis in Ifitedunu community, Mr Nweke equally called for justice for the victims of the crisis he alleged Igwe Ilouno and Mr Nwoye instigated, and for which some perpetrators are being held by security operatives.