Members of the Awo Ommama community in Imo State have rejected a recent protest reportedly staged at the Imo State Government House, Owerri against Chief Austin Onyedebelu, describing the demonstration as misleading and politically motivated.
In a rejoinder signed by the community’s Youth President, Anthony Nwoke (Do So), alongside Ifeanyi Stanley Eleoba, the group described Onyedebelu as an illustrious son of Awo Ommama who had contributed to the development of the community. They also dismissed allegations against him, stressing that he was not involved in the award of government contracts or the disbursement of funds for public projects.
The community members alleged that the protest was organised by individuals seeking to create division and tension in Awo Ommama. They specifically named Chief Kennedy Nze, Chief Christian Okoro and Comr. Soko David Ndulo, alleging that they had no recognised political, religious or traditional positions in the community.
The group also raised allegations over the use of a Federal Government property identified as the Post Office premises in Awo Ommama. They alleged that the property had been leased to a private individual for commercial activities and that a structure erected in front of the premises was obstructing the facility along the Awo Ommama road. They claimed the dispute over the property was connected to the recent protest.
The community representatives further alleged that efforts had previously been made by community leaders to resolve the dispute over the Post Office premises and called for compliance with decisions reached by recognised community authorities. They warned that actions capable of aggravating existing disagreements could undermine peace and unity among residents.
The community representatives urged the public to disregard what they described as unfounded allegations against Onyedebelu and called for peace and unity in Awo Ommama. They also commended Governor Hope Uzodimma for his confidence in Onyedebelu, saying his appointment reflected the governor’s trust in his capacity to serve.
