Enugu, December 17, 2024. Tensions are running high in the Umueze Awkunanaw community of Nkanu West Local Government Area as citizens and stakeholders demand immediate government intervention following the failure of the 14-member Caretaker Committee, led by Engr. Ohaa Okwudiri Daniel (Chairman) and Barr. Chidiebere Ani (Secretary), to fulfil its mandate. Appointed on August 14, 2024, the committee was tasked with overseeing the community’s affairs for a four-month tenure and conducting election for the Town Union leadership. However, their inability to deliver has sparked outrage and raised concerns over the future of governance in the town.
The committee’s tenure officially expired on December 14, 2024, with no substantive leadership structure in place. Despite repeated assurances, they delayed the publication of an election timetable until November 30, 2024, leaving only 14 days for preparations. On December 13, just one day before the scheduled election, the committee announced an indefinite postponement, citing alleged delays caused by the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Chieftaincy Affairs.
This sudden announcement has left many residents frustrated and disillusioned, prompting a formal petition to Hon. Deacon Okey A. Ogbodo, JP, the Commissioner for Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Chieftaincy Affairs.
The petitioners, who include candidates in the postponed election, expressed their firm opposition to any extension of the Caretaker Committee’s tenure.
Community Demands for Resolution:
In their petition, the aggrieved stakeholders outlined the following demands:
1. No Tenure Extension for the Caretaker Committee:
The petitioners assert that the committee’s leadership, which includes Engr. Ohaa Okwudiri (Chairman), Barr. Chidiebere Ani (Secretary) and 12 other members have failed to deliver on their core mandate. They believe an extension of their tenure would be unjustifiable and would only deepen the community’s mistrust.
2. Direct Ministry Oversight of the Election Process:
To ensure transparency and restore public confidence, the petitioners urge the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Chieftaincy Affairs to take direct responsibility for organizing and conducting the election.
3. Appointment of a Temporary Election-Focused Committee:
Should direct oversight by the Ministry be impractical, the candidates recommend appointing a new, short-term caretaker committee tasked solely with conducting election and ensuring a smooth transition to elected leadership.
Appeal to the State Government:
The petitioners have also called on the Enugu State Government, under the leadership of His Excellency, Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, to intervene and prevent the Commissioner for Local Government, Rural Development and Chieftaincy Affairs from extending the tenure of the failed committee. They warn that such a move could destabilize the community and provoke civil unrest.
“Extending the tenure of this failed committee is a recipe for disaster,” said one of the petitioners. “Their actions have already polarized our community, and allowing them to continue will only heighten tensions and erode public trust in the process.”
The residents stressed the need for immediate and decisive action to prevent further division and ensure the peaceful coexistence and progress of Umueze Awkunanaw.
“Umueze is a community built on unity and progress,” they said. “We urge His Excellency, Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, to call the Commissioner to order and uphold the democratic principles that our town values deeply.”
Concerns of Compromise:
While unsubstantiated, rumours of potential compromise within the committee have further fueled discontent. Stakeholders fear that these alleged actions could undermine the integrity of any future electoral process. The petitioners, however, reaffirmed their faith in the State Government and its ability to safeguard democracy and transparency in Umueze Awkunanaw.
Broader Implications:
The absence of a substantive leadership structure in Umueze Awkunanaw has already begun to strain the community’s stability and development efforts. Residents fear that continued delays in the electoral process could hinder critical projects and initiatives, further compounding the challenges faced by the town.
“The longer this situation drags on, the more harm it does to our community,” said another resident. “We need leadership that will unify us and drive development—not an interim committee that has failed to deliver on its promises.”
Awaiting Government Response:
As of this report, the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Chieftaincy Affairs has not issued an official response to the petition. However, the community remains hopeful that the Enugu State Government will act swiftly to resolve the matter and restore confidence in the electoral process.
The petitioners are:
✓Comrd Nnaemeka Oko
✓Surv Ndubisi Geoffrey Agbo
✓Comrd Ekenechukwu Michael Ngene
✓Hon. Sunday Nwachukwu (Sochima)
✓Mr Ogbonna Ifeanyi Kelvin
✓Mr Ngene Timothy Chidiebere
✓Mr Okeke Peter Onuora(Peter water)
Comment here