The youths of Azumini Ndoki in Ukwa East Local Government Area of Abia State have called for a thorough and impartial investigation into allegations against the local monarch and palace secretary. The accusations involve demanding tithes from a poor widow, the sale of government properties, and other activities seen as causing unrest within the community.
According to a statement made available to The World Satellite, the issues began when concerned youths, led by former Youth Chairman Mr. Chinedum Ekeke, questioned the actions of the Palace Secretary, Mr. Chijioke Nwagbara.
Nwagbara was alleged to have demanded and collected ₦200,000 from a widow for the sale of her late husband’s land, sparking the initial outrage. “Instead of addressing these concerns, the palace secretary was accused of forging the Council of Chiefs’ letterhead and submitting a petition to the Area Command Akwete, labeling the youths as cultists”.
Undeterred by these attempts to silence them, the youths continued to press for answers. They raised further concerns, including the supervision of the scrapping and sale of equipment worth over ₦2 billion that belonged to the moribund International Glass Industry Azumini. The industry, established in the early 1980s, used raw materials from the Azumini Blue River to produce glass and was headquartered in Aba.
The youths submitted a counter-petition, urging authorities to investigate several matters, including the scrapping and selling of government properties at the International Glass Industry Azumini, the sale of water storage tanks, stands, generators, and the conversion of government lands belonging to the State Water Board.
They also raised concerns about the selling of community lands without consulting the Council of Chiefs, illegal demands for 10% of sales proceeds from a widow, embezzlement of community electricity funds, and the conversion of community revenue-generating units for personal gain.
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Furthermore, the youths expressed disappointment with certain elites in the community who have boasted about their influence in the matter, suggesting that they are above investigation. They are calling on the Inspector General of Police and the Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, and the Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Local Government Affairs to intervene before the situation escalates and disrupts the peace of Azumini Ndoki Autonomous community and Abia State.
Azumini Ndoki is well-known for its peaceful and inclusive nature, and the concerned youths emphasized the importance of restoring order and harmony to their home.
