BY EMELDA EZE
Dominic Ikpeama, the Ward Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ejemekwuru Oguta LGA, Imo State, has been arrested by the police for allegedly selling federal government palliatives meant for his community.
The traditional ruler of Ejemekwuru, HRH Eze Hypolite Obinna Duru, petitioned the police, alleging that Ikpeama sold 20 bags of corn and 5 bags of garri meant for the community.
Eze Duru described Ikpeama’s action as “improper” and a “ploy to sabotage the efforts of both the Federal and State Governments to alleviate the sufferings of the people.”
The monarch said the community was unhappy with Ikpeama’s actions, which he believed were driven by selfish motives.
Ikpeama was arrested and detained on Wednesday, August 21, at the Oguta Police Division.
However, Ikpeama denied being arrested, claiming he was invited by the police to reconcile differences with his people.
He justified sharing the palliatives among five villages instead of the 23 villages, citing the limited quantity of items.
The allegations against Ikpeama are part of a larger trend of palliative diversion in communities.
Ikpeama’s previous position in the Town Union Government allegedly enabled him to corner the palliatives for personal gain.
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