The General Assembly and Elders Council of Ikenga Umueri Progressive Union has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the Chairman of Anambra East Local Government Area, Hon. Ifeanyi Chinweze, demanding an unreserved public apology over alleged comments labeling members of the community as terrorists.
The group warned that failure to comply within the stipulated time would result in legal action.
It described the statement as dangerous and capable of putting the lives of Ikenga Umueri indigenes at risk, both within Nigeria and in the diaspora.
In a communiqué signed by Chief Ezeakonobi Ekwueonu, Chief Peter Odano, Chief John Ajana and Chinedu Ekwueonu, the union expressed deep concern over what it called a “reckless and malicious publication,” in which the council chairman reportedly described Ikenga Umueri sons living in Malaysia as terrorists and compared them to Simon Ekpa of the proscribed IPOB.
According to the group, such remarks are not only defamatory but also inflammatory, with the potential to expose innocent people to harassment, profiling, or worse.
It insisted that the chairman must retract the statement in full and publicly apologize to the community.
Beyond the controversy, the union also raised concerns about the ongoing leadership crisis within the Umueri General Assembly (UGA), particularly as the community prepares for its rescheduled election on April 8, 2026.
The elders warned against any attempt to intimidate or disenfranchise members of Ikenga Umueri in the electoral process.
They stressed that the integrity of the election must be preserved and conducted in line with established rules and traditions.
Central to their resolutions was a directive to the Electoral Committee to restore the status quo that existed before the earlier suspension of the election.
Group’s position
The group insisted that all candidates who had been duly screened, cleared, and published prior to the suspension must be allowed to contest without any alterations or additional requirements.
It also firmly rejected any move to reopen nominations. According to the union, only those who followed due process before the suspension—by purchasing nomination forms, undergoing screening, and appearing on the official list—should be eligible to participate in the rescheduled poll.
The communiqué further addressed the contentious issue of representation within the community, particularly concerning Otuocha Quarter.
The union opposed any attempt to introduce micro-zoning in the allocation of positions to the quarter, describing such a move as a violation of established electoral practices.
It maintained that Otuocha Umueri is constitutionally recognized as a full-fledged quarter and must be allowed to function independently without interference.
Any attempt to alter its status or restrict its participation, the group warned, would not be accepted.
The elders noted that if there are individuals or groups who no longer recognize Otuocha as a full quarter, the only legitimate course of action would be to amend the UGA Constitution.
Such an amendment, they said, would formally return Otuocha to Ikenga Umueri Quarter, its original constituency.
Anything short of that constitutional process, the union emphasized, would be considered illegal, null, and void, and would be resisted by the community.
Stakeholders commended
Despite the tension surrounding the issues, the group acknowledged the efforts of key stakeholders who have been working to stabilize the situation.
It commended the Deputy President General of the UGA and the Ikenga Umueri Unity Forum for their commitment to resolving the crisis and representing the interests of the people.
Reaffirming its dedication to peace and unity, the Ikenga Umueri Progressive Union called on all parties involved—including the Electoral Committee, UGA leadership, and the State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters—to act in accordance with the law and uphold the traditions that bind the community.
The union concluded with a strong message of solidarity, stating that Ikenga Umueri remains united and resolute.
It vowed to resist any attempt to intimidate, marginalize, or disenfranchise its members, while also pursuing all lawful means to protect their rights and reputation if the demand for apology is ignored.
