…accuse Chief Aniekwe of inciting crisis, intent to rig election
Anambra State Government through the Commissioner of local government and Chieftaincy affairs has stipulated December 27th, 2023 as a day set to hold the President General election in Nimo Community, but that was not the case as the election proper failed to hold due to constitutional breach and personal interest.
Our Correspondent reports that Nimo Community in Njikaoka Local Government Area of Anambra State comprises of four quarters have already made preparation for the stipulated election until the election was aborted.
Speaking to our Correspondent, Nimo ASATU Youth Leader noted that the election failed to hold as a result of inability to utilise what was stated in the Constitution and personal interest of some people who want to impose their choice of candidate on the seat.
According to him, our Constitution made it clear that during vote either we make use of Option 1, secret balloting or option A4. But it seems that one of the candidate wants the use of secret balloting which is against the wishes of the masses. The people of Nimo wants an open balloting which is option A4, but they want to impose the secret balloting on the people and that is why they rejected it.
He lamented over the neglect of the electoral committee to give him audience to speak which according to him as a youth leader and bonafide member of the community with up to date dues has the right to speak and make contributions on behalf of the youths.
Earlier, the Chairman Nimo electoral Committee, Barr Ichie Nnamdi Ezenagu (Eziokwu atuegwu N’ Nimo) agreed that Nimo has prepared election as it was supposed and what transpired was that a particular quarter, Ifite Enu contested that the position given to them was not what was supposed to be allocated to them. “When we released guidelines for the election, they made the comment and I gave them reasons why we planned the way it is, because the previous election did not follow due process”.
“Myself as a Senior legal practitioner and a titled Chief will not allow this happen again. I alloted offices that will aid this election. But a particular man, Chief H.N Aniekwe, Omenyili N’Nimo came up with trouble, because he called me to bribe me so that the election will be in his candidate’s favour which I turned that offer down as an advocate of truth and firm in the community. Yes I was a page boy during his wedding, but that will not make me to go wrong way in the affairs of the community. Him with his cohorts decided to halt the electoral process today because of his personal interest. I stand bold to say that Chief Aniekwe, Umeadi and the rest is the sponsor of this destruction and I can say it anywhere”.
“The two options secret balloting and open secret ballot, I choose secret ballot to curb enmity in my town. I cannot be paying your children school fees and you don’t like me. An attempt for option A4 that they are shouting for which is not constitutionally provided for. You I pay your children school fees if you go and stand behind another person and I see you there, will I still continue to pay your children school fees?, will you still greet me?”.
“I don’t want any further enemity in my town. My position is that the election will be a secret ballot, I came in with all the electoral materials ready for this election. How can one single man as old as he is inciting crisis in our town. You were made Chairman peace committee and you have done your own and submitted report and your committee dissolved, so why causing trouble?”.
“He brought thugs and some touts to come and vote for his vested interest forgetting that the committee will have to accredit voters. It is never done anywhere allowing people to vote without accreditation”.
He however pleaded with the people of Nimo to remain calm and be sure that proper election will be conducted in due time for Nimo to decide
Also speaking, the legal adviser to Nimo Traditional ruler, Chief Barr Alubalueze, said its very unfortunate that our people came out with enthusiasm to vote but was marred by some group of persons. In the past there have been some compromises particularly in our election processes.
Commissioner for Chiftaincy and Local government affairs, Hon Tony Collins Nwabunwanne addressing the people of Nimo pointed out that the Constitution of every community stands as a binding law on which the affairs and decisions of the town is rested upon.
He advised the quarters to remain calm and resolute as the government will ensure that what ever the Nimo Constitution said as the people’s choice will be applied in the election process.
At the conclusion, Hon Nwabunwanne informed each quarters to select five persons and the youths two persons each of the same quarters to come on 28th December at the Government House, Awka for final resolution on the matter.
3rd National Vice President of Nimo Community, Uchenna Agwuoye, Gentle Giant, noted that this is first time such thing is happening in Nimo, but to glory of God nobody died. We are hoping for a credible election as far as Nimo and Anambra State is concerned becuase we have a credible Governor and Commissioner for local government affairs. We plead the state government intervene so that they will have peace in Nimo.
Oraka Nnaemeka, Onwa n’ Nimo said the election of PG is a welcome development so as to avoid lacuna in the ruling process. Nimo is a great town and its important that we elect someone who will bring peace and progress in Nimo Community. He added that PG is an administrative office and so there is need to elect a credible I advice the people of Nimo to use the Constitution as reference point in running the affairs of the community as this will aid developmental achievements, equity and justice.
Nimo APGA stalwart, Eze Omile, from Egbengwu Kingdom in Nimo however, lauded Prof Soludo’s intervention in the election of ASATU Youth leader in Nimo without which there would have been killings among the youths.
Meanwhile, ACP Kingdom Atuonye, Area Commander Awka, who spoke on behalf of the Commissioner of Police called on the Nimo people to remain calm and ensure peace as the necessary bodies involved will ensure that a credible election will be carried out soon.
