Gov. Obiano Plunges Agulu Community Into Crisis Over Political Party Interest

*Community Expresses Dissatisfaction As Anambra State Government Cancels Agulu Peoples Union’s Election, Appoints Caretaker Committee

The decision of the Anambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano to suspend the newly elected executives of Agulu People’s Union (APU) has been greeted with criticisms and dissatisfaction.

BACKGROUND OF FACTS

The Union conducted her election on 30th December, 2020 which ushered in the emergence of a new administration meant to steer its leadership.

However, TheNigeriaLawyer reports that former President General of Agulu, and former Honourable member representing Anaocha 1 Constituency of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Azubuike Charles Okoye, had earlier addressed a letter dated 21st December, 2020 to the Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy & Community Affairs.

He contended that there is a need for the Government to urgently wade into the Union because it is “currently fragmented along political lines and if care is not taken, the situation may snowfall into internal conflicts that can cost APGA victory in upcoming 2021 Anambra election.

“Added to the foregoing, the issue of COVID-19 is equally a strong factor that should lead to the immediate suspension of APU election, due 30th Dec. 2020”.

Thus, he recommended the names of 16 persons to be appointed as Caretaker Committee with Prof. Joe Ogbuage as the Chairman.

THE DECISION OF THE GOVERNMENT

The decision suspending the new executive was conveyed vide a letter signed by Mr. Henry Nwasike on behalf of the Hon. Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy & Community Affairs.

In the letter which was sighted by TheNigeriaLawyer, addressed to the leadership and people of the community, the Government described the election as one that was not successful.

It was stated that there were disputes over proper delegates accreditation; documented eruption of violence marred the proceedings; and Government observers could not discharge their functions due to the violence.

Consequently, the Government noted and decided to cancel the election and put in place a 27-Man Caretaker Committee headed by Prof. Josephat Ogbuabe as Chairman; Kenechukwu Agbajelu as Secretary and Onyebuchi Okpala as Vice President and other members.

THENIGERIALAWYER SPEAKS WITH COMMISSIONER

In an effort to get a further assemblage of facts from the side of the Government, TheNigeriaLawyer reached out to Mr. Henry Nwasike on the content of the letter.

However, he noted that he was only acting on behalf of the Government and conveyed what was directed.

Thus, he stressed that he was not authorized to speak on the content of the letter and as such, he had nothing to say thereon.

THE COMMUNITY REACTS

Peeved with the state of things, members of the community have expressed their dissatisfaction with the decision of the Anambra State Government annulling the election and appointing a Caretaker Committee.

Some members of the community who spoke to TheNigeriaLawyer on the condition of anonymity described the decision as arbitrary and unlawful.

A member of the community had lamented as follows:

“It has never been heard in the history of Agulu, (I beg for correction if I am mistaken) that a constitutionally elected and recognized exco of Agulu People Union is replaced with a caretaker committee.

“This slap on our face is unprecedented, and I hope that H.E Obiano would not want to pit himself against the vast majority of the people. Vox Populi Vox Dei, Latin for ‘ the voice of the people is the voice of God,’ would serve as a constant reminder to H.E not to toe the path of infamy by annulling the Agulu 30th December 2020 Town Union Executive Election.”

In another development, some members of the community have described the decision of the Government as one laced with political undertone.

They alleged that it is an attempt to subdue former Governor Peter Obi who equally hails from that community.

Meanwhile, it has also been contended that the decision of the Anambra State Government is infractive of the fundamental right of the APU members guaranteed under the 1999 Constitution, to freedom of association, personal liberty,  right to fair hearing and right to freedom of thoughts and conscience.

It was alleged that the decision to impose a Caretaker Committee violates these constitutional principles and not within the tenor of the Union’s Constitution.

The people of Agulu in a meeting resolved that it is only those who were Constitutionally elected on the 30th of December, that the community will recognize and it is only them that will serve the good people of Agulu.

They further disassociate themselves from the members appointed by the Obiano government as the caretaker Committee of the community.

TheNigeriaLawyer recalls that the Governor of Anambra State, Willie Obiano had earlier suspended 12 traditional rulers in the state, of which three were later sacked.

Besides, he lifted the suspension of five whilst suspension of another three traditional rulers was recently lifted.

It is pertinent to note that the recent decisions of the Governor appear not to be in tune with the good people of Anambra State and has started putting the image of APGA, his political party on a brink in the state. Needless to point out that there is still more left after the end of his administration, with the people.