It was another episode of drama on Monday, 30th November, 2020, as the entire Ndiowu community, Orumba North, L.G.A comprising of the youths, age grades, and the elderly stormed the Anambra State Government House to protest the alleged imposition of Caretaker Chairman of the town, leadership and near absence of constituted authority lingering on for over five years.
News Echo Correspondent reports that the protesting Ndiowu community numbering over two thousand and were carrying placards of different inscriptions, like, “Caretaker Committee is unconditional, illegal, therefore it is no longer acceptable in Ndiowu, “Cabals are not welcome in Ndiowu”, “Ndiowu is not for sale”, “Leadership position in Ndiowu must be by election and not by imposition,
Others were, “Where is the #20million choose your community initiative funds?,”, “Alleged cancellation of our town union election is not only provocative but portends grave dangers, “It is our responsibility to choose our leaders, “Allow the people’s will prevail.”
The community which comprises of nine villages in Orumba North council area of Anambra state, have also accused, the community based organisation known as Galaxy Club Ndiowu, and the member representing Orumba North in the state House of Assembly, Hon Emeka Aforka for compromising the town union elections for three consecutive times in the community.
They asked the government of Chief Willie Obiano to disband the five-years-old caretaker committee with immediate effect so that they can inaugurate their elected Town Union Executives conducted under peaceful atmosphere, Thursday last week.
Addressing the people, one of the Eze’s cabinet members Mazi Uche Iloh, bemoaned the act of insecurity, constant intimidation, high handedness and misappropriation of the 20 million naira Community-choose-your project given to the community by the state government on different occasions.
Mazi Iloh maintained that if after 14 days and nothing happened, Ndiowu would resort to using the youths to get their demand.
Also speaking, the secretary, Ndiowu Youth Forum lamented that the imposition of the Caretaker Chairman of Ndiowu was a ploy by Hon Emeka Aforka to achieve his selfish desires, while noting that it is the responsibility of the entire community to choose our leader.
Secretary Umuada Ndiowu, Mrs Obiageli Nwafor, ‘Adaejiejemba’ also alleged that the elections after being conducted will be cancelled by the state governor while pointing out that there were false rumours been labelled on Ndiowu about having a successful elections.
Responding on behalf of the Governor, Secretary to Anambra State Government, Prof Solo Chukwulobelu, said that he has noted all the community’s plight and assured them that he will deliver the message to the governor while pleading with the protesters to stay calm and expectant of the state’s response in tackling their problems.
The community not fully satisfied, took their grievances to the Anambra State House of Assembly Annex, where they blocked the entrance demanding that Hon Emeka Afforka should stay clear from the activities of the community.
Responding, the Speaker Anambra state House of Assembly, Rt Hon Uche Okafor acknowledged the protesters for being civil in bringing their grievance to the state Assembly which, he described as the mouthpiece of Anambrarians.
He however, assured them that the House would channel their complaint to Governor Obiano for appropriate action even as he urged them to remain peaceful at all times.
