Tension in Anambra Community Following Town Union Election

Anambra Map

 Tensions are escalating in Nimo community, located in the Njikoka local government area of Anambra state, just days after the Town Union executive election. Community leaders are accusing the state government of interference in their affairs.

Leaders of the community, led by Ogbuefi Akuluouno Ayiba, Chairman of the elders' council, expressed dissatisfaction with the Nimo Town Union Elections held on January 4, 2024, referring to it as an administrative irregularity instigated by the state government.

Addressing the press, Ayiba criticized the election process, alleging a breach of the Nimo Constitution orchestrated by the Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Community Matters, Hon Tony Collins Nwabunwanne. He claimed that the elections were initially scheduled for December 27, 2023, in accordance with the town's constitution. However, the date was altered, suggesting a hidden agenda by the Commissioner.

Ayiba further claimed that a court order, originating from a dissatisfied party regarding disqualification, was served to the electoral committee. Despite the court order, he asserted that the Commissioner disobeyed it and proceeded with the election, disregarding the electoral body's objections.

Speaking on behalf of the group, Akuchukwu Muo, the secretary, asserted that the Commissioner lacked the authority to conduct the election, as his role should be that of an observer. The group, comprising concerned elders, appealed to Governor Prof Chukwuma Soludo to intervene, urging him to rectify the situation and reschedule the elections in accordance with due process.

Efforts to obtain a response from the Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Community Matters, Tony Collins Nwabunwanne, were unsuccessful as his mobile phone was switched off at the time of this report.