Enuogu stakeholders in Nkerefi, Enugu State, have rejected allegations of marginalisation and bias, accusing those behind the claims of blackmail, misinformation and attempts to destabilise the community.
Community leaders and stakeholders of Enuogu Autonomous Community, Nkerefi, Nkanu East Local Government Area of Enugu State, have rejected allegations of marginalisation and bias against Ihuezeofia Village, describing the claims as part of an alleged campaign of blackmail and misinformation.
The stakeholders also defended the Enugu State Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Town Union Matters, Dr Charles Egumgbe, against allegations of bias in the handling of the community’s leadership affairs.
Their position was contained in a statement jointly signed by the Traditional Ruler of Enuogu Autonomous Community, Igwe Emmanuel Onukwube; Chairman of the Caretaker Committee, Mr Isaac Ugbor; Committee Secretary, Barr. Abel Ani; and other stakeholders.
The latest development comes amid an ongoing leadership dispute in Enuogu. Residents of Ihuezeofia had previously appealed to Governor Peter Mbah to intervene in what they described as a prolonged leadership crisis and alleged marginalisation of their village.
The Enuogu stakeholders dismissed the allegations against the community leadership and the commissioner, insisting that those behind the publications did not have the mandate to speak for either Ihuezeofia Village or the wider autonomous community.
They alleged that the campaign was being driven by individuals seeking to create instability for personal and political interests.
The stakeholders further accused the individuals behind the claims of repeatedly sponsoring petitions and circulating what they described as false narratives whenever government or development projects were attracted to the community.
They said the allegations of marginalisation were inconsistent with what they described as Ihuezeofia’s participation in community leadership and access to government interventions.
According to the stakeholders, the village had produced elected and appointed community officials, including a ward councillor, Financial Secretary of the Town Union and Deputy President-General.
They also cited electricity infrastructure, road improvements, healthcare interventions and employment opportunities among projects and benefits they said had reached the village.
The community leaders also rejected claims that the Ministry of Chieftaincy Affairs imposed a caretaker committee on Enuogu.
They said the committee was constituted by the state government in March 2026 as a temporary peace-building measure following what they described as intelligence reports suggesting a possible breakdown of law and order.
The stakeholders alleged that the suspended Town Union election had become a source of tension, claiming that one Mr Edeson Chukwudi had mobilised youths and threatened violence if the election did not produce him as president of the union.
They said the alleged threats prompted elders and stakeholders to seek government intervention and the suspension of the election.
According to the statement, the caretaker arrangement was intended to restore calm and create conditions for a peaceful, transparent and credible election.
The stakeholders argued that the government’s intervention should therefore not be interpreted as an attempt to favour any individual or group.
The stakeholders further alleged that some individuals involved in the dispute had compiled the names of community leaders they allegedly intended to target over the leadership disagreement.
They described the alleged threats as a serious security concern and called on law enforcement agencies to investigate.
The community leaders appealed to the police, the Department of State Services (DSS) and other relevant security agencies to examine the allegations and take appropriate steps to protect community leaders and residents.
They also urged authorities to hold anyone responsible for threats or acts of violence accountable under the law.
The stakeholders reaffirmed their confidence in Commissioner Charles Egumgbe, describing him as committed to due process and neutrality in resolving the community’s leadership issues.
They also commended Governor Peter Mbah’s administration for what they described as timely intervention to preserve peace in Enuogu.
The leaders said the dispute had moved beyond a simple leadership disagreement and now required careful attention from security and government authorities.
They urged all parties to pursue constitutional and lawful channels for resolving the disagreement rather than resorting to media campaigns, threats or intimidation.
The stakeholders insisted that Enuogu Autonomous Community remained committed to unity, constitutional democracy and equitable development among its constituent villages.
They said no amount of alleged misinformation or intimidation would derail their pursuit of peace and sustainable development.
The leaders also commended the Mbah administration for infrastructure and development initiatives in Nkerefi, including roads, bridges, Smart Green Schools, healthcare facilities, rural electrification and human-capital development.
They pledged continued support for initiatives they said would promote development and improve the welfare of residents across the community.
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