Posted by In Abia State’s Umuahia North LGA on Monday, residents of Nkata Ibeku demonstrated against what they called the “intimidation, harassment, and dictatorship” of a prominent local figure.
Protesters carrying signs with a variety of messages asked the Assembly to help them escape the tyrannical rule of a mysterious Nkata Ibeku village leader.
Mrs. Ifeyinwa Ezuruike and another community member, Sunday Ogbonna, led the group to the Zone 9 Police Command in Umuahia, where they reported being subjected to dictatorship and harassment for many years.
They claim that the community leader has ordered the arrest of several of their natives in the past.
They wanted a fair election for community leadership and for Mr. Silas Uchendu to be released from jail immediately.
We insist that the Nkata Community election not be held in a private residence. We insist on the right to live together in harmony as a nation. Ezuruike said that freedom was essential for their neighborhood.
The Speaker of the Abia House of Assembly, Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa, spoke to the demonstrators in Nkata, assuring them that the Assembly will work with other relevant government agencies in the State to put an end to the alleged constant intimidation and harassment of community members.
Emeruwa, who was represented by the Deputy Speaker, Austin Okezie Nmeregini, stated that an investigation will be conducted to safeguard citizens’ lives and property and promote long-term tranquility in the Nkata Ibeku neighborhood.
He praised their nonviolent approach to addressing the problem.