Says… Some interested community leaders are bent on disrupting the forthcoming election
The Elders of Ogugu village in Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State, under the aegis of Ogugu Elders Forum, have called on the State Government to, as a matter of urgency, come to their rescue over allegations of the use of the police to intimidate villagers ahead of their Igweship election.
Ogugu community has been without any traditional ruler since 2000 (23 years ago) following the demise of their late Ìgwè, His Royal Highness, Ìgwè Ochi, due to a series of court cases amongst various interests in the community who have refused to give peace a chance.
The leadership crisis came to an abrupt end when a group of individuals initiated peace talks amongst all warring parties to reach a compromise before the State Government, through the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, scheduled an election for Sunday, January 14, 2024.
In a statement signed by the secretary of Ogugu Elders Forum, Chief Engr. Mike Ochi, and sent to newsmen on Saturday with the title “Urgent Call to Thwart Clandestine Plans Against Democratic Process in Awgu,” he stated that some interested parties in the Igweship election, who have both active and retired military officials as family members, are bent on frustrating the electoral process through the use of the military under the guise of protecting the people, while their aim is to dissuade people from coming out en masse to vote.
Chief Engr. Mike Ochi emphasized the urgent need for intervention from the State Government, drawing attention to the potential disruption of a democratic process that has been carefully negotiated and planned. The Ogugu Elders Forum expressed concern over the use of military personnel for an election, calling for a transparent process monitored by the police to ensure the sanctity of the electoral exercise.
The Secretary also highlighted the peaceful nature of Ogugu Awgu and stressed that personal interests should not be allowed to disrupt the peace that the community cherishes. Chief Engr. Mike Ochi implored the State Government, the Commissioner of Police, and the Commissioner for Chieftaincy Affairs to ensure the protection of democratic rights and the untainted nature of the election process.
As the community awaits decisive action from the authorities, Ogugu Elders Forum, led by Chief Engr. Mike Ochi, remains committed to upholding democratic values and preserving the peace that defines the beloved community of Ogugu Awgu.
The statement reads….
Press Statement: Urgent Call to Thwart Clandestine Plans Against Democratic Process in Ogugu Awgu
It has come to our attention that certain individuals, harboring clandestine motives, are orchestrating plans to deploy the military in an attempt to intimidate the good people of Ogugu Awgu. Their sinister agenda aims to deter the community from exercising their democratic right to vote for the rightful candidate who will ascend to the revered position of Ìgwè after a 23-year hiatus, with the crucial event scheduled for Sunday, January 14, 2024.
These individuals, with a retired Army Brigadier and five military personnel in their family, have unabashedly boasted about their intentions to either coerce their relative onto the throne or disrupt the election altogether. Such actions not only subvert the democratic process but also undermine the sacred traditions of Ogugu Awgu.
We urgently call upon the esteemed leadership of the state, particularly His Excellency, Barr Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, Commissioner for Police Cp Kanayo Uzoegbu, and Commissioner for Chieftaincy Chief Okey Ogbodo, to intervene promptly and decisively. The sanctity of our democratic process must be upheld, and any attempt to misuse the military for personal gains should be thwarted.
We advocate for a transparent election process, closely monitored by the police force, as opposed to military involvement. Elections are a civil matter, and the presence of armed forces trained for war is unnecessary and risks undermining the peaceful atmosphere Ogugu Awgu has enjoyed for years.
Ogugu Awgu is renowned for its tranquility, and the personal interests of a few should not be allowed to disrupt the peace that our community cherishes. We implore the relevant authorities to ensure that the democratic rights of the people are protected, and the election process remains untainted by external influences.
In the spirit of safeguarding democracy, we appeal to all citizens of Ogugu Awgu to remain vigilant and united against any attempts to subvert our democratic values. Together, we can preserve the integrity of our electoral process and maintain the peace that defines our beloved community.
Signed,
Chief Engr. Mike Ochi
Secretary, Ogugu Elders Forum
