The youths of Nimo Community in Njikoka Local Government Area on Thursday staged a peaceful protest at the entrance of the Anambra State House of Assembly, calling for the resignation of the traditional ruler HRH Igwe Maxi Ike Oliobi, Njikoka Transition Committee (TC) Chairman Hon. Clement Aguiyi and the President General of Nimo, Chief Ekenenna Okafor-Omabu.
The angry youths where chanting songs with placards such as “Owelle Nimo Must Go’. ‘The Current Leadership Of Nimo Community Town Development Union, Must Go’. ‘Aguiyi Must Go’. ‘With Aguiyi As TC Chairman Of Njikoka LGA, APGA Is Dead In Nimo’. Owelle And PG Nimo Has Failed Us’.
Some of the placards also reads; ‘Njikoka LG TC Chairman Has Over Stepped’. ‘Nimo Town Union Leadership Is Our Subject, Therefore Has No Right To Sale Or Negotiate Our Lands’. ‘Agu Mkpuluata Is Not For Sale Or Negotiable’.
Speaking on behalf of the youths, Mr. Chigbo Anidobe who spoke extensively narrated the situation and controversies currently going on as regards ‘Owa land.
According to Mr. Chigbo “We have written a letter to the Governor of Anambra State Prof. Chukwuma Soludo and also to the Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy And Community Affairs, Hon. Tony-Collins Nwabunwanne as regards this matter.
“Owa land was gotten by conquest by our fore-fathers more than two hundrend years ago and there has never been any problem.
“When the curent Igwe came in, four years ago, his first project was to sale parts of those lands without consulting anyone and we kicked against it.
“This is the only land we and our children will reside and we will not fold our hands and allow it to happen.
“Many youths in Nimo have been intimidated, molested with DSS simply because we challenged the sale of our land.
“We have been going to the land boarders for inspection and in one of our inspections, the vigilantees of Enugu Ukwu, DPO of Abagana and the commander of Nimo vigelantee where used to attack our youths.
“I traveled when this incident happened but they wrote my name and that of others in a letter, to the TC Chairman of Njikoka LGA stating that we are among those terrorizing Nimo, Neni, Eziowelle, Abacha axis. This areas are where the fulani’s kidnap people.
” If The TC Chairman of Njikoka LGA is not removed, the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) should be forgotten in Nimo because in the next election, they will not get ten percent vote. Aguiyi has not done anything to stop the evil practices in our community.
” We appreciate the efforts of the commissioner for local government and chieftancy matters for trying to intervene. Three executives where illegally suspended because they where courageous enough to speak the truth. But the Commissioner told the cabnet in our faces that they are the cause of the problems and should restate the suspended executives.
” The commissioner warned Owelle Nimo to stay clear from town union matters stating that his duty is about culture and tradition.
“We are calling on the leadership of Nimo Community to be suspended”‘. Mr Chigbo concluded
Responding on behalf of Anambra Assembly Speaker, the Majority Leader Hon. Ikenna Ofodeme who addressed the protesters commended them for being civil.
Hon. Ofodeme who is the member representing Ekwusigo constituency assurd them that the matter will be addressed soon through house committes on Local Government, Chieftaincy And Community Affairs based on the petition submitted.
“Governor Chukwuma Soludo wants peace and progress. His primary agenda is for Anambra State to be a liveable and prosperous homeland.
“The 8th assembly will do everything within its powers to resolve this issue’. The Majority leader assured them
