The residents and stakeholders of Umueze Awkunanaw in Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State have unequivocally rejected the purported six-month extension of tenure granted to the embattled Caretaker Committee by the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development, and Chieftaincy Affairs.
This decision, communicated in a letter dated December 12, 2024, has triggered widespread condemnation, with community leaders and concerned candidates labeling it an affront to democracy and an endorsement of failure.
The committee, chaired by Engr. Okwudiri Daniel Ohaa, with Barr. Chidi Ani as Secretary and 12 other members, was initially appointed on August 14, 2024, with a clear mandate to organize and oversee free and fair elections for the Umueze Town Union within four months.
However, the committee’s inability to fulfill this mandate has resulted in deepening mistrust and heightened tensions within the community.
Breach of Trust and Deception:
The failure of the committee to conduct the elections as scheduled has been described as a deliberate betrayal of the trust placed in them.
Despite publishing an election timetable on November 30, 2024, the committee secretly sought and obtained an extension of tenure without informing the community. Even after receiving the extension, the committee continued to conduct candidate screenings and allowed election campaigns to proceed, creating the false impression that the elections would hold as scheduled.
The abrupt cancellation of the elections on the eve of December 14 shocked the entire community.
Widespread Outrage and Growing Tensions:
The extension of the committee’s tenure has provoked outrage among Umueze Awkunanaw stakeholders, who view the move as a threat to peace and stability. The community argues that the Ministry’s endorsement of a failed leadership undermines democratic principles and risks escalating tensions in an already polarized environment.
Unified Call for Action:
The petitioners, who are also candidates in the postponed elections, have issued a united statement rejecting the extension and demanding immediate government intervention.
The petitioners include:
Comrade Nnaemeka Oko
Surv. Ndubuisi Geoffrey Agbo
Comrade Ekenechukwu Michael Ngene
Hon. Sunday Nwachukwu (Sochima)
Mr. Ogbonna Ifeanyi Kelvin
Mr. Ngene Timothy Chidiebere
Mr. Okeke Peter Onuora (Peter Water)
In their petition, they outlined the following demands:
1. Immediate Dissolution of the Current Caretaker Committee:
The petitioners insist on the dissolution of the committee, citing its failure to deliver on its mandate. They recommend appointing a new team, if necessary, to oversee the elections.
2. Direct Ministry Oversight of the Election Process:
To restore transparency and rebuild trust, they call for the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development, and Chieftaincy Affairs to assume direct control of the electoral process.
3. Urgent Intervention by the State Government:
The petitioners urge His Excellency, Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, to instruct the Ministry to reverse the tenure extension and ensure free, fair, and credible elections without further delay.
Protecting Democracy and Ensuring Unity:
The concerned candidates emphasize that the Umueze Awkunanaw community remains committed to peace, progress, and democracy. They argue that the Ministry’s actions set a dangerous precedent and undermine the principles of transparency and accountability.
“We cannot stand by and watch the Ministry impose a failed leadership on us,” said one petitioner. “The people of Umueze deserve a leadership that reflects their values and aspirations.”
A Plea to Governor Mbah:
The petitioners called on Governor Peter Mbah to intervene, expressing confidence in his commitment to transparency and good governance. They urged him to address the situation decisively and ensure a resolution that promotes peace and progress.
“His Excellency, Governor Peter Mbah, has demonstrated a strong commitment to upholding democratic principles. We trust that he will take the necessary steps to protect the integrity of governance in Umueze Awkunanaw,” the petitioners stated.
Conclusion:
The people of Umueze Awkunanaw remain resolute in their call for justice and accountability. They urge the state government to prioritize the community’s interests, dissolve the failed Caretaker Committee, and facilitate credible elections as a matter of urgency.
Comment here