The Mayor of Njikoka Local Government Area, Dr. Ikechukwu Okakpu has intervened in the escalating leadership dispute in Enugwu-Agidi following credible security intelligence indicating a potential threat to the town secretariat.
In response, the Njikoka Local Government Council promptly alerted relevant security agencies and deployed personnel to the secretariat to safeguard the facility, prevent unauthorised access and avert any possible damage to public property.
The Mayor subsequently summoned representatives of the two factions involved in the dispute for an emergency meeting and arbitration.
During the meeting, one faction claimed to have obtained a court judgment recognising its position, while the other faction said it had not been served with the judgment and therefore could not accept the claim.
However, as neither faction was able to produce the said judgment before the Council, no administrative determination could be made on the matter at this stage.
Consequently, the Enugwu-Agidi Town Secretariat has been placed under the temporary custody of the Njikoka Local Government Council and will remain closed to both factions pending clarification of the legal position.
The Council directed both parties to submit all relevant court documents, including the judgment and any documents relating to a stay of execution, appeal or other pending legal proceedings, for proper examination.
The Council further clarified that neither faction has been authorised to take possession of, gain access to or operate from the town secretariat until the matter is properly clarified.
The Council said its position is guided by four principles: security first, peace first, facts first and due process first.
It reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property, maintaining peace in Enugwu-Agidi and ensuring that the dispute is handled responsibly, impartially and in accordance with the law.
