Community leaders, women, youths and other stakeholders in Ndiowu, Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State, have staged a peaceful protest against the withdrawal of approval for the Ndiowu Town Union and Traditional Rulers Constitution, 2024, as amended, and the removal of the community’s elected President-General, Mazi Sunday Enemuo.
The protesters, who converged at the Ndiowu Town Hall, appealed to Governor Chukwuma Soludo to intervene in the dispute over the dissolution of the elected town union executives and the appointment of a caretaker committee by the Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Barrister Vin Ezeaka.
They expressed concern that the development had created tension and uncertainty in the community, urging the state government to take urgent steps to restore confidence, preserve peace and prevent the situation from escalating.
Speaking during the protest, a community stakeholder from Umu Diabor village, Mr Uchenna Iloh, said residents were worried about the unfolding events and did not want the leadership disagreement to degenerate into a crisis.
Iloh maintained that Enemuo was duly elected under the constitution recognised by the previous administration and had served only about one year and ten months of his four-year tenure.
He explained that the community conducted its election under the 1999 constitution before amending the document in 2024, adding that the amended constitution reportedly received government approval.
According to him, the community was taken by surprise by the removal of the elected executives, particularly as an earlier government directive had reportedly instructed communities to postpone elections scheduled for December until February because of electoral activities expected in January.
Iloh called on the government to clarify the circumstances surrounding the withdrawal of approval and the constitution of the caretaker committee. He also urged the authorities to allow the community to resolve the dispute through a process acceptable to all parties.
He stressed that Ndiowu was not opposed to the Soludo administration but was seeking fairness, due process and lasting peace. He said the community had enjoyed relative peace before the latest development, adding that previous caretaker arrangements had not delivered the expected level of development.
He appealed to Commissioner Ezeaka to reconsider the decision and take measures to prevent further tension.
Also speaking, the Chairlady of Umuada Ndiowu, Mrs Mercy Obiagali Nwafor, said the women were concerned that the tenure of the elected town union executives had allegedly been cut short.
Nwafor argued that if a change in leadership became necessary after the expiration of the current tenure, the government should facilitate a fresh election rather than impose a caretaker committee.
She also raised concerns about allegations against the individual appointed to lead the caretaker arrangement, including claims of violence and the sale of community land and property, and called for the issues to be properly investigated.
Similarly, Mrs Regina Iloh, who represented the married women, known as Anutaradi, condemned Enemuo’s removal, arguing that it was inconsistent with the community constitution, which provides for a four-year tenure.
She said the women rejected the appointment of a replacement without what they considered adequate consultation and compliance with the constitution.
Iloh further called for an end to recurring leadership disputes in Ndiowu, citing previous controversies surrounding traditional leadership and expressing concern that the disagreements could undermine the community’s development.
The Vice Chairman of Ndiowu General Youths, Mazi Obidi Nwankwo, said the youths joined the protest to defend the community’s interests and ensure that its leadership emerged through a legitimate and transparent process.
Nwankwo described the removal of the elected President-General before the end of his tenure as unacceptable and urged the government to formally communicate its decisions to the community.
He also made allegations concerning the person appointed to head the caretaker committee and called on Governor Soludo to intervene to prevent a breakdown of peace.
In his remarks, the First Vice President-General of Ndiowu Town Union, Engr. Chukwuemeka Akabuogu, described the protest as a legitimate expression of the community’s democratic rights.
Akabuogu maintained that the existing town union leadership had a valid mandate and questioned the rationale for appointing a caretaker committee despite the reported directive postponing community elections.
He said leadership decisions should reflect the wishes of the people, stressing the need for dialogue and consultation to resolve the dispute.
According to him, representatives of the protesters had been asked to meet with government officials in Awka to discuss the matter and explore possible avenues for a resolution.
Akabuogu appealed to the government and all parties involved to embrace dialogue rather than confrontation, urging them to work towards an agreement that would respect the community’s constitution and democratic principles.
Police officers and personnel of Anambra State Operation Udogachi were present at the protest to maintain law and order.
The protesters reiterated their call for urgent government intervention, insisting that their demands were aimed at restoring what they described as Ndiowu’s democratic mandate, ensuring respect for the community’s constitution and preventing further tension.