Court Order Ensures Peaceful OCDU Election In Okpoko Despite Police Disruption Attempts

Police from the Okpoko Divisional Headquarters arrived at the Onitsha Holiday Resort Hotel, the election venue, following reports from opposing factions trying to stop the election. However, stakeholders presented Justice Okaa’s court order dated November 14, 2024, which restrained any interference. The police then allowed the election to proceed peacefully.

The court directive, issued in Suit No. AT/26/2024, resulted from an application by Chief Felix Onunkwo and Chief Isaac Onyenoneke on behalf of OCDU’s 42 Community Ward Chairmen against Chief Francis Enemuo and Hon. Chukwudi Ehiobu. Key rulings included:

– Chief Francis Enemuo and the Central Executive Committee’s tenure had expired, restraining them from further official actions
– Hon. Chukwudi Ehiobu was authorized to take over OCDU’s properties and conduct the election
– The State Commissioner for Local Government, Town Union, and Chieftaincy Matters must refund N300,000 to the community if unable to facilitate the election
– Enemuo was ordered to pay N500,000 in costs to the plaintiffs

The OCDU successfully held what it called a credible, peaceful, and transparent election. A new 16-member Central Executive Committee emerged, led by Okechukwu Odidika as President. Other members include Okwudili Obioha (1st Vice President), Omanus Elemuo (Secretary), Austin Ukeje (Assistant Secretary), and Vincent Offor (Treasurer).

In his speech, President Odidika pledged to restore peace and reconciliation in the community, emphasizing inclusivity and collaboration with the state government on infrastructural development.

Hon. Zeribe Ezeanuna and other prominent community members praised the peaceful election. They called on Governor Chukwuma Soludo to closely monitor his appointees to prevent actions that could tarnish his administration’s reputation.