Awo Ommama Community Embarks on Solidarity March for Chief Austin Onyedebelu
Members of the Awo Ommama community have countered a recent protest reportedly staged at the Imo State Government House gate against Chief Austin Onyedebelu, describing the demonstration as misleading, politically motivated and allegedly orchestrated by individuals they accused of attempting to cause division and communal crisis in the area.
In a rejoinder signed by the Youth President of the community, Anthony Nwoke (Do So), and Ifeanyi Stanley Eleoba, the community members described Chief Onyedebelu as an illustrious son of Awo Ommama and a source of pride and development to the community.
The group maintained that Chief Onyedebelu has used his influence, goodwill and public standing to attract development and opportunities to Awo Ommama, insisting that he has no involvement in the award of contracts or the disbursement of funds meant for government projects.
They alleged that those behind the protest, whom they described as hired urchins and miscreants, were not acting in the genuine interest of Awo Ommama, but were individuals allegedly poised to instigate communal crisis and create unnecessary tension within the community.
The group specifically alleged that Chief Kennedy Nze, Chief Christian Okoro, Comr. Soko David Ndulo and others were behind the protest, claiming that their activities and alleged extortion attempts had previously been exposed and stopped.
According to the statement, the individuals named have no recognised official position in the community, whether political, religious or traditional. The group also questioned their sources of income, alleging that they have no known businesses or official means of livelihood but allegedly spend money in a manner that, in the group’s view, raises questions.
The community representatives further raised an allegation concerning the use of a Federal Government property in Awo Ommama, identified as the Post Office premises.
They alleged that Chief Kennedy Nze, Chief Christian Okoro, Comr. Soko David Ndulo and some persons they described as miscreants were involved in leasing the Federal Government property to a private individual, who allegedly converted part of the premises for private business purposes and what the group described as a criminal hideout.
The group further alleged that the private individual erected another structure in front of the Post Office premises, thereby obstructing the facility along the Awo Ommama road. They claimed that despite being directed by Awo Ommama community leaders to relocate, the individual allegedly expanded the structure.
The community representatives stated that they had insisted that the structure should be demolished, alleging that the controversy surrounding the property was among the issues that contributed to what they described as the alleged sponsorship of the recent protest.
They therefore called on members of the public to disregard the earlier protest and its allegations against Chief Austin Onyedebelu, describing the claims against him as unfounded and an attempt to tarnish his reputation.
The group also commended the Governor of Imo State, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma, for the confidence reposed in Chief Austin Onyedebelu, describing his appointment and elevation as evidence of the Governor’s trust in his capacity to serve.
The community members maintained that Chief Onyedebelu remains a respected son of Awo Ommama and urged all stakeholders to reject actions capable of creating unnecessary divisions, tension and crisis within the community.
They called for peace, unity and responsible engagement among the people of Awo Ommama, while reaffirming their support for Chief Austin Onyedebelu.
Signed:
Anthony Nwoke (Do So)
Youth President, Awo Ommama Community