Community in Crisis | Group Demands Election and Removal of President-General, Seeks Intervention from Police and Local Authorities

 

In a significant escalation of local tensions, a concerned group in an Eastern Nigerian community has called for the immediate organization of an election to replace their current President-General (PG), accusing the incumbent of overstaying their tenure and mismanaging community affairs. The group, identifying itself as advocates for transparency and accountability, has also appealed to the police and the Local Government Area (LGA) Chairman for intervention, citing potential unrest if their demands are not addressed. This development, reported on March 16, 2025, underscores the growing unrest within the community and highlights broader issues of governance and leadership at the grassroots level.

Background of the Dispute

The unrest stems from dissatisfaction with the leadership of the community's President-General, a position traditionally responsible for overseeing community development, mediating disputes, and representing the community in dealings with government authorities. According to the group, the current PG has exceeded the constitutionally mandated term of office, which they claim is typically set at two or four years, depending on the community's bylaws. The group alleges that the PG has refused to step down or organize a fresh election, leading to accusations of authoritarianism and mismanagement.

The community, located within an LGA in Eastern Nigeria, has a history of active civic engagement, with local leadership playing a crucial role in maintaining social cohesion and driving development projects. However, the prolonged tenure of the PG has reportedly led to a breakdown in trust, with community members accusing the leadership of failing to account for funds, neglecting infrastructure projects, and sidelining dissenting voices. These grievances have fueled the group’s demand for an election to restore democratic principles and ensure effective governance.

The Group’s Demands

The concerned group has articulated a clear set of demands aimed at resolving the leadership crisis:

1. Immediate Election: The group insists that an election be held promptly to replace the current PG with a new leader chosen through a transparent and democratic process. They argue that this is essential to restore legitimacy and address the community’s pressing needs.
2. Removal of the President-General: Pending the election, the group has called for the immediate removal of the incumbent PG, citing alleged violations of tenure limits and poor performance as justification.
3. Intervention by Authorities: The group has appealed to the local police and the LGA Chairman to step in and facilitate a peaceful resolution. They have expressed concerns about potential unrest if the situation remains unresolved, urging security forces to maintain order and ensure the safety of community members.

In a statement released to the press, the group emphasized their commitment to peaceful advocacy but warned that continued inaction could lead to heightened tensions. “We are law-abiding citizens seeking justice and good governance,” a spokesperson for the group stated. “However, the longer this leadership crisis persists, the greater the risk of turmoil in our community.”

Allegations Against the President-General

The group has leveled several specific allegations against the PG, which they claim justify their call for removal and a new election:

• Tenure Overstay: The most prominent accusation is that the PG has remained in office beyond the legally stipulated term, refusing to convene an election despite repeated demands from community members.
• Financial Mismanagement: The group alleges that community funds, including contributions from residents and allocations from government or external donors, have been mismanaged or unaccounted for. They have demanded a financial audit to investigate these claims.
• Neglect of Community Projects: Critics accuse the PG of failing to initiate or complete critical infrastructure projects, such as road repairs, water supply improvements, and community centers, leaving residents without essential services.
• Suppression of Dissent: The group claims that the PG has silenced opposition by intimidating or excluding those who challenge the leadership, undermining democratic participation within the community.

These allegations have not been independently verified, and the PG has yet to respond publicly to the claims as of March 16, 2025. However, the intensity of the accusations has galvanized support for the group’s cause, with many residents expressing frustration over the state of leadership in the community.

Appeals to Police and Local Government

Recognizing the potential for the situation to escalate, the group has sought the intervention of both the police and the LGA Chairman. Their appeal to the police emphasizes the need for security presence to prevent any outbreak of violence, particularly as tensions rise over the leadership dispute. The group has urged law enforcement to monitor the situation closely and ensure that any election process is conducted peacefully and fairly.

The call to the LGA Chairman reflects the group’s hope that local government authorities can exert their influence to enforce community bylaws and facilitate a resolution. In many Nigerian communities, LGA Chairmen play a supervisory role over traditional and community leadership structures, making them key stakeholders in resolving such disputes. The group has requested that the Chairman convene a meeting with community leaders, the PG, and other stakeholders to address the crisis and set a timeline for an election.

Broader Implications

This leadership crisis is emblematic of broader challenges facing grassroots governance in Nigeria. Community leadership positions, such as the President-General, are often seen as vital links between residents and higher levels of government. However, disputes over tenure, accountability, and resource management are not uncommon, reflecting systemic issues such as weak enforcement of bylaws, limited oversight, and the influence of local power dynamics.

The situation also highlights the critical role of local elections in maintaining democratic governance at the community level. When leadership transitions are delayed or obstructed, it can lead to a breakdown in trust, hinder development efforts, and, in extreme cases, precipitate unrest. The group’s appeal to external authorities underscores the need for stronger institutional frameworks to support and regulate community leadership structures.

Community Reactions and Potential Outcomes

The community is divided over the issue, with some residents supporting the group’s call for change, while others remain loyal to the current PG. Supporters of the group argue that a new election is long overdue and essential for revitalizing community governance. They point to the alleged failures of the PG as evidence that fresh leadership is needed to address pressing challenges such as infrastructure decay and youth unemployment.

On the other hand, defenders of the PG may argue that the incumbent has faced undue criticism and that the group’s demands are politically motivated. Without an official statement from the PG, it remains unclear how the leadership will respond to the mounting pressure. However, the lack of a clear rebuttal has fueled speculation and further emboldened the group’s campaign.

The potential outcomes of this dispute are varied. If the police and LGA Chairman intervene effectively, an election could be organized, potentially resolving the crisis and restoring stability. Alternatively, if the situation escalates without resolution, it could lead to protests or clashes between opposing factions, necessitating a stronger security response. The best-case scenario would involve a peaceful transition facilitated by dialogue and adherence to democratic principles.

Conclusion

The call for an election and the removal of the President-General in this Eastern Nigerian community reflects deep-seated frustrations with leadership and governance at the local level. As of March 16, 2025, the group’s demands for transparency, accountability, and intervention from the police and LGA Chairman have brought the issue into sharp focus, drawing attention to the challenges of grassroots leadership in Nigeria. The resolution of this crisis will depend on the willingness of all parties—community members, the PG, and local authorities—to engage in constructive dialogue and uphold democratic processes. For now, the community remains on edge, awaiting decisive action to address the turmoil and chart a path forward.