.png)
By Madu Obi
The crisis rocking Alor Community in Idemili South local government area of Anambra State has assumed a new dimension, with the arrest and detention of the President General of Alor People's Convention, Chief Emma Ojukwu.
It was gathered that Ojukwu was arrested in Lagos and flown to the Force Headquarters, Abuja where he is being detained.
Although details are still unfolding, his detention was said to be connected with alleged arson and conduct likely to cause breach of peace in the community.
Vice Chairman of Alor Development Union, Lagos, High Chief Chuka Uzodike, in a statement, said the arrest was justified because his actions have significantly disrupted peace in Alor.
Uzodike's statement read in part: "Emma Ojukwu's detention did not happen without cause. The arrest came after several ignored invitations by the police, reflecting a pattern of impunity and disregard for law and order.
His tenure as President-General has been marked by actions that many believe have been detrimental to Alor, with the latest incident being particularly egregious.
One of the most severe allegations against Ojukwu is his alleged deployment of an unauthorized security outfit, the 'Tiger Squad,' a group that has allegedly caused significant unrest in Alor, with their actions culminating in a sacrilegious incident where they disrupted a burial rite conducted by a Catholic Reverend Father in Agbor Village, Alor by forcefully snatching microphone from him".
Uzodike recalled that Ojukwu ascended to his position through a harmonization process led by Alor’s critical stakeholders and the Anambra State Government represented by the Honorable Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy affairs Chief Collins Nwabunne and accompanied by the President General of the Association of Anambra State Town Union (ASATU) Chief Titus Akpudo
He said the process also involved other dignitaries, including the then-Honorable Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige, lamenting that the PG reportedly failed to honor the agreements from the harmonization process.
Uzodike added: "He has consistently refused to work with the government-certified traditional ruler, Igwe Mac-Anthony Chinedu Elibe Okonkwo, and others brought into office through the same process, including his vice President-General, Chief Nso Okafor.
It should also be recalled that an ad-hoc harmonization intervention committee, comprising prominent Alor stakeholders, including Sir Mallinson Ukatu, Chief Ogbuefi Alexander (Ifekanku Ugokanku), Chief Obinna Ugozu (Igwe Ndede), Chief Ossy Agbazue (Mmiri Alor), Evangelist Paul Onuora (Nwa Jesus), Chief Ejike Ufonna (Ifeabata Alor), and Chief Chijioke Uzokwe (Nkata Ukwu), held several meetings with the PG Chief Emma Ojukwu at an Ikoyi Lagos hotel.
The committee aimed to persuade him to accept the state government's decision on harmonization, specifically the nomination of a Vice President General and Secretary from the opposing camp. However, he rejected three suggested names and eventually accepted Chief Nso Okafor.
Subsequently, the state government sent names of members to work with him as part of the Alor People's Convention, but he has refused to work with the Vice PG despite the efforts, time, and resources invested in the meetings.
He has ignored the state government and the resolutions of the prominent Alor stakeholders.
Through his legal team, Hon. Chris Okudo, a former Alor Caretaker Committee PG was imprisoned on trumped-up charges in a case involving one of his predecessors, the late Barrister Agubalu, on May 28, 2024.
The young man remains incarcerated, with his case file mysteriously missing, making it impossible to appeal the court ruling. Hon. Okudo is still being held at Amawbia Prisons.
Emma Ojukwu's refusal to
recognize and collaborate with Igwe Okonkwo and his colleagues has undermined the unity and governance structure established through the harmonization. "
This has further deepened the crisis in Alor, leading to a breakdown in communication and cooperation within the community's leadership.
According to Uzodike, "the arrest of Emma Ojukwu is seen as a necessary step towards restoring peace and order in Alor. His actions, particularly through the 'Tiger Squad,' have brought distress to the community.
Additionally, his refusal to work with the traditional ruler and other harmonized leaders has exacerbated the instability in Alor.
We urge all Alor residents to remain calm and allow the law to take its course. The pursuit of justice and peace should be our collective priority."
He called on CDlaw enforcement to also investigate other people in Alor, who have played significant roles in the ongoing crisis.
Comments