There was confusion in Oba community, Idemili South Council Area of Anambra state following invasion of the Civic Center, venue for the yearly Oba Mass Return Ceremony and town Union election by security operatives numbering about 50.
The Regent of Oba, Prince Noel Ezenwa, said the community had scheduled the celebration where they gather to discuss every Easter, issue of development and other important matters concerning the community.
Narrating their ordeal to newsmen yesterday, Ezenwa said uniformed and plain cloth security operatives who were combat ready had taken over the Civic Center, which also houses the office of the President General of Oba Patriotic Union (OPU) as early as 6.30 am.
He said the presence of security operatives who tried to disrupt the days event, angered Oba youths who threatened to confront the police men and other sister Agencies, adding that they use the occasion to discuss their welfare, which includes financial empowerment and business support to the youths.
He however said, “On getting the information about the presence of the security men, we passed instructions round the town and pleaded with the youth to calm down, be law abiding and avoid anything that will endanger lives of people in the community.
“We promised that the members of the Ezeokpoko Cabinet, will handle the situation”
Addressing some of youths under the aegis of, “The Most Qualified” led by Azubike Ejikeme, who paid him solidarity visit, Prince Noel Ezenwa, expressed disappoint with Anambra State Government who drafted the security agents to the venue and raising tension in the town.
He further linked their problems to some people he accused of working to be traditional ruler of Oba by force, and who failed in the screening exercise for the position.
“They started spreading false information about leadership crisis in OPU, which you all know that there’s no leadership crisis in Oba.
“I once again appeal to you, our youths to be law abiding and give us time, we will address the matter and put it to rest. The PG whose office is being targeted would have handed over today to a new person if the security men did not disrupt our ceremony today”, he said.
