The ancient kingdom of Nekede in Owerri West LGA is boiling over sharp disagreements between HRH Eze Godwin Merenini (Dibia 1 of Umudibia) and Umuerim Welfare Association.
The basis for the altercations is the Federal Polytechnic, Nekede. The Welfare Association accuses the Monarch of enjoying the goodies accruable from the institution alone, to the detriment of his kinsmen.
According to Engr George Agim, Chairman, Umuerim Welfare Association, in a statement made available to Trumpeta, he alleged that “HRH Eze Merenini (Dibia 1 of Umudibia) and Umuerim people are in disagreement because of the unfair manner the Eze has been enjoying himself and his loyalists the numerous benefits extended to the entire Umudibia Community by the Federal Polytechnic, Nekede”.
The statement continued “Before now, the Umuerim people have been so displeased with the Institution because the Umuerim people being the nearest to the school have been responding in the same way to them. Eze Godwin Merenini has on his part led us to believe that the school management has on his part lead us to believe that the school management has been responding well to the entire community. But in an alarming revelation by the Rector of the Institution, Dr (Mrs) Celestina Njoku at a meeting of the Council Members, the Management of the Institution and the host community has shown how ruthless our Eze can be”
According to him, he said the Rector at a meeting on 1st August, 2013, listed the numerous benefits extended to the community through the Eze by the Institution such as periodic quota for employment, yearly quota for admission into the school, including contracts due to be shared by the four villages that will serve as a means of revenue for the villages.
He alleged that the monarch is not sincere in his dealings, as the Eze despite the revelations by the Rector has refused to give to various communities what is due to them.
He made several demands; asking Eze Merenini to refute within 7 days allegations to murder him and arson, make available the community’s share of what they benefit from the Federal Polytechnic. He appealed to the Rector of the Institution to cease further dealings with Eze Merenini and work directly with the community.
