… Villagers Lament Police Harassment

By Ikenna Orioha 

Criss, protest and fear engulfed Umuebie autonomous community in Isiala Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State following imposition of President General on the people by the executive chairman of the local Government area,Hon Chika Okoroike, who is said to be his errand boy, making the PG Seat look as though it is an appointive position.

The villagers who lamented intimidation and harassment by the police, accused Chika Okoroike of thwarting the community’s rules on tenure of the President General of the area.

Speaking through Chief Emeka Duru, chairman of Umuebie autonomous community, Ugiri/Umuoparadim Umuebie, the people said the renewing of the tenure of the PG of their Town Union is a community affair, not that of the local government, advising Chika Okoroike to stop breeding outrage in the area as court had already decided on whether the government has the powers to appoint President generals of communities or not.

The people’s claim over the alleged imposition of the PG on them was confirmed by a re-appointment letter addressed to Comr. Chijioke Ebirinwa, President of Presidents General of autonomous communities in the area by Chika Okoroike, through the office of the Secretary to the Council, Hon. Uzochukwu Chinedu Iwuagwu, dated 1st August, 2025.

“I am pleased to inform you that – in recognition of your outstanding leadership and dedication to the development of our autonomous communities – I am hereby directed by the executive chairman of Isiala Mbano Hon. Evang. Chika Israel Okoroike, to convey your re-appointment as the President of Presidents General of autonomous communities in Isiala Mbano LGA for another term of four years.

“Your re-appointment is with immediate effect. You are expected to continue providing visionary leadership and guidance to our autonomous communities, fostering unity, progress and development.

“Please, accept my congratulations and best wishes as you embark on this new term”, the letter stressed.

Effort to reach Okoroike on phone for his reaction on the several allegation of Imposition and harrasment of the locals was unsuccessful as he did not take his call.

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