· Govt allegedly insists on APC members as PGs
There has been persistent outcry over the imposition of Presidents General on communities by the Chairmen of the various Interim Management committee in the state because of the directive allegedly issued to them by the state government that only members and loyalists of the All Progressive Congress should occupy the position irrespective of the wish of the people.
A traditional ruler in Orlu who spoke to this reporter on condition of anonymity acknowledged that the directive was handed to them by the Interim Management Council Chairmen, Mrs Ifeoma Ndukwu who made it clear that anybody who fails to comply or publicly declare support for APC risks being stripped of his position.
As a result of this unpopular and discriminatory stance of the state government, that has given rise to the circulation of petitions here and there, most communities are boiling as peace, unity and mutual co-existence have taken flight.
It will be recalled that prior to this recent attempt at eroding the constitutional right of autonomous communities to independently produce their Presidents General, the Association of Imo State Indigenous Town Unions had gone to court to halt such unlawful onslaught by the Okorocha’s administration and got a favourble judgment which barred the state government from interfering in the activities of Town Unions, including the selection of President General and other officials of their exco.
Some community leaders who commented on the development wondered why people should be compelled or stampeded into joining or declaring support for a political party as a condition for holding public office in the community. They condemned the attitude of the IMC Chairmen which they said, if not checked may lead to chaos and break down of law and order in some communities who have vowed to resist such imposition, manipulation and arm twisting antics.
