5 PGs murdered in Anambra, says ASATU president

By Madu Obi

The National President of the Anambra State Association of Town Unions, ASATU, Chief Titus Akpudo has said that five Presidents-General of communities in the state were killed at different times in the state in the last few years.

The affected communities are Nimo (Njikoka LGA), Omor( Ayamelum LGA), Orom Etiti( Anambra West( LGA), Nanka (Orumba North LGA) and Obosi (Idemili North LGA).

Akpudo, who spoke in Awka lamented that PGs had become endangered species, adding that ASATU would no longer watch while its members were being murdered in cold blood.

He said that as PGs and leaders of their communities, their only concern is to serve the people well and wondered why they should lose their lives while doing so.

On the rift between the PGs and their traditional rulers in some communities, Akpudo expressed delight that the issue had reduced considerably following an arrangement that provides for periodic meetings between them.

He said: "Before now, the relationship between the PGs and their Igwes was very bad, but in recent time, it has become cordial. We now hold joint meetings with the Igwes, which was championed by the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe.

"The idea is to find ways of resolving issues internally. Misunderstanding between people usually occurs, but what matters is the ability to resolve it amicably and somebody must shift from his position for peace to reign."

According to him, various issues caused such rift and they differed from one community to the other.

He added: "What might cause a problem could be the process used in selecting the PG or the Igwe. In some cases, the PG or the Igwe might have his favoured candidate and if the candidate of another wins eventually, the relationship might not be cordial.

"I always advise our members that our job is not permanent, while that of the Igwe is for life.

On the Ifitedunu incident, where the PG was attacked and injured in the public, the ASATU president called on relevant authorities who had been petitioned over the incident, to expedite actions on investigation and punish those found culpable, to serve as a deterrent to others.

”Ifitedunu PG is our member and it is our duty to protect him. PGs need to do their job without fear of molestation. We have had experience were PGs were killed, beaten and molested in many communities.

“The Ifitedunu PG was beaten publicly. He is a family man; how will his children and wife feel watching the video of where their breadwinner is being beaten in the market square?

"If nothing is done about this, people will be reluctant to offer leadership to their communities."

The ASATU National President commended the achievements of the Commissioner for Local Government, Hon Collins Nwabunwanne for restoring calm in most communities.