Some indigenes of Nimo in Njikoka LGA, Anambra State, numbering no fewer than one hundred had on Thursday, demanded the dethronement of Igwe Maxi Ike Oliobi of Nimo, over sundry accusations of highhandedness and land racketeering, among others. The group also accused their Owelle of using udogachi operatives to harass and victimize innocent youths. Only about two weeks ago, Okechukwu Solomon Ajagu, from Nimo, was heavily brutalized and his eyes were seriously injured. According to Okechukwu who took part in the protest on Thursday, he was just walking on his own and was suddenly accosted and beaten to a pulp, thereby inflicting serious injuries on his two eyes, for which he has undergone surgery.
During the protest, indigenes of the Nimo community took their displeasure to the House of Assembly Complex in Awka, with various inscriptions on their placards ranging from “Nimo is ashamed of a king that fights in the public,” to “Owelle Nimo is causing instability in Nimo,” among others.
Speaking on behalf of the community, Chief Donatus Nkechi said that the Owelle Nimo has become a problem to the community and that they have appealed multiple times for him to be removed by the government since about three years ago, to no effect. “We don’t want him again. He is causing a lot of problems. He is selling lands that belong to people indiscriminately. We want him to be removed,” Chief Nkechi said. On his part, Comrade Chidike Okwaji, reiterated the call for the removal of the Owelle, emphasizing that he has become a major problem of the Nimo community and that the government should act fast to avert a breakdown of order. He narrated incidences of using military officers and udogachi operatives to intimidate indigenes and also raised the issues of selling people’s land, against the Owelle.
Reacting to this, Hon. Noble Igwe, the House of Assembly member representing Ogbaru I constituency was sent alongside Hon. Jude Akpua and Hon. Patrick Udoba, by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Somto Udeze, to address the protesters, implored them to maintain peace. Hon. Noble then informed them to put their protest in writing as a petition and assured them that they would get justice. “Come up with a petition in written form. The House of Assembly will assist you to get justice,” Hon. Igwe said.
On his part, Hon. Judge Akpua, the House member representing Njikoka II constituency encouraged the protesters to put their complaints in writing. “What you have said, you should please write it as a form of petition. Also, maintain peace. The situation, I promise you, will be well managed. It will be looked into and resolved,” Hon. Akpua assured.
Ebuka graduated with a second-class upper-division degree in Political Science from the University of Calabar in Nigeria. He furthered his education by obtaining a Master's Degree in Political Science with a specialization in Government and Development Studies from Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Awka, Nigeria. His academic background and professional experience have equipped him with a deep understanding of political dynamics and governance issues.