By onyekachi eze
Uzoubi Umuna Community in Orlu Local Government Area, Imo State is in turmoil over altercations which resulted from N400,000 being monies realized from the Community’s Development Fund.
There has been crossfire of allegations between the traditional ruler of the Community, HRH Eze Boniface Okereke and inhabitants of the Community.
The misunderstanding, last week, consumed its first casualty as the Government Liaison Officer (GLO) in the area, Rev. Ethel Maduakor was beaten up by thugs.
Expressing their grouse in a protest last weekend, Mr Felix Dim, the Chairman Amaorji Development Union enumerated their discomfort with their Eze, following the recent incident that transpired between him and their GLO, Rev. Ethel Maduakor who was beaten up by the boys said to be sent by Eze Okereke.
Mr Felix further expressed dismay how a custodian of culture and tradition would surround himself with thugs in the palace, thereby terrorizing the people. He stated that the brain behind the beating of the GLO is not far fetched as the Monarch from onset never supported the appointment of the said GLO and therefore termed it mission accomplished. He solicited for prompt intervention of Governor Okorocha and the CGC members to ensure that the said monarch is dethroned.
Responding to Journalist, the Sole Administrator of Orlu LGA, Barr Hyacinth Mbachu extolled the peoples understanding of effective resolution through their protest around the city of Orlu and the Council Headquarter, rather than embarking on destructive protest. Barr Mbachu assured them of Government’s quick intervention, stressing that the Imo Rescue Mission of Governor Okorocha has made it a priority to eliminate all forms of abnormalities including check mating Monarchs.
However, he respected their protest and urged them to put their demand writing for further processes. The SOLAD enjoined the people of Uzoubi-Umuna to avoid creating bad names for their children, stressing that the culprits that beat up the GLO are already in police custody.
Reacting, HRH Eze B.C Okereke debunked the accusations and said that it was the Community Youths that beat the GLO following his resistance to give them their own share of the N400,000 realized from development levy.
Eze Okereke further stated that he is not against the CGC nor does he habour thugs in his palace as accused, but was due to unnecessary hatred they have on him.
Similarly, Mr Chinedu Ihejiahi, Amaorji Dynamic Youth Chairman and Mr Augustine Osuagu, the Secretary CGC in their separate speeches added that their Traditional Ruler is now wolf in sheep clothing.
On their placards, numerous inscriptions were written including “Eze Okereke is Boko Haram, a threat to CGC among others”, they concluded.
