The Amudo Community in Ezza South Local Government Area of Ebonyi State witnessed a peaceful protest as youths and elderly men expressed dissatisfaction with the alleged imposition of a president general by the council chairman, Mrs. Euphemia Nwali.
Marching from their community to the council headquarters in Onueke, the protesters rejected the council’s preferred candidate, Mr. Emeka Iburu Ezeabata, claiming he is unpopular and unfit for the role. They voiced their support for the 7-man interim executive committee led by retired Captain Tiger Njoku Aloysius, whom they regard as the legitimate leader recognized by the town union.
The community accused Mr. Ezeabata, who previously served as a caretaker president, of failing to conduct elections or draft a constitution as directed during his appointment in 2022 by the former council chairman, Sen. Kenneth Eze. Stakeholders allege that his leadership has caused crises, including harassment and vandalism, prompting the community to take decisive action.
Chief David Elom, interim secretary of the town union, revealed that the stakeholders dissolved Mr. Ezeabata’s leadership, replacing it with an interim executive team. This decision, supported by the community elders and communicated to law enforcement agencies, has been met with resistance from Mrs. Nwali, who insists on retaining Mr. Ezeabata despite his rejection by the community.
Elom urged Mr. Ezeabata to step aside, emphasizing that leadership cannot be imposed on a people who have made their stance clear. He also called on the council chairman to prioritize her duties and desist from escalating the community’s crisis.
The situation highlights ongoing tensions over leadership in the Amudo Community, with residents demanding a leadership that represents their collective interests.
