By Karen James
In a community gripped by frustration and unrest, Igwe Ernest Mmaduagwuna of Awba Ofemili has sparked outrage with his actions, prompting residents to take to the streets in protest. The people of Awba Ofemili, unwilling to tolerate his excessive behavior any longer, marched to the Anambra State Government House to send a desperate plea for intervention to Governor Soludo. At the heart of the matter lies Igwe Mmaduagwuna’s controversial decision to impose his chosen candidate, Mr. Fidelis Chinedu Mmegbene, as the community’s President-General (PG).
Had Igwe Mmaduagwuna’s choice emerged through a transparent town union election process, the people of Awba Ofemili might have accepted him as their PG. However, they are rebelling against his authority because he did not secure his position through a fair and transparent process. During the Awba Ofemili town union election, Hon Ignatius Okafor, an influential APGA stalwart who effectively coordinated Prof. Soludo’s 2021 governorship election campaign, emerged as the preferred candidate. Sensing defeat, Igwe Mmaduagwuna instigated Hon Thankgod, the official overseeing the election, to cancel the process. Assurances were given that a new election date would be communicated to the people.
However, under the cover of darkness, Igwe Mmaduagwuna and his cohorts conducted a sham election around 6 to 7 pm, unopposed, resulting in the emergence of Mr. Fidelis Chinedu Mmegbene as the PG of Awba Ofemili. This deceitful action by Igwe Mmaduagwuna and his allies is strongly condemned. Their actions have disrupted the peaceful coexistence of the community, leading the people of Awba Ofemili to threaten drastic measures.
In their quest for justice, the aggrieved community members embarked on a protest march to the government house, expressing their displeasure at Igwe Mmaduagwuna’s unscrupulous behavior. The burning question remains: why is Igwe Mmaduagwuna so determined to impose his preferred candidate as the PG of Awba Ofemili? Why is he seemingly at odds with Hon Ignatius Okafor, who played a pivotal role in delivering Governor Soludo’s 2021 election victory? The obvious answer is that Igwe Mmaduagwuna likely has skeletons in his closet, shying away from an independent-minded character like Hon Ignatius Okafor assuming the PG position.
However, Awba Ofemili residents are resolute in their stance. They firmly believe that for peace and sanity to be restored in their community, Igwe Mmaduagwuna must step down. They assert that his excessive behavior has been the root cause of the current crisis. Igwe Mmaduagwuna cannot continue to act as a law unto himself. It is imperative that the government intervene and reprimand his actions to restore order and harmony in Awba Ofemili. The people’s demand for justice and accountability must not be overlooked.
In conclusion, the unfolding crisis in Awba Ofemili community underscores the importance of transparent, democratic processes in choosing community leaders. Igwe Mmaduagwuna’s disregard for these principles has ignited tension and unrest. The community’s demand for change and the need to rein in Igwe Mmaduagwuna’s excesses are fundamental to restoring peace to Awba Ofemili. The government must heed their pleas for intervention and ensure justice prevails. Daalu nu (Thank you).
