Embattled Alor PG, Ojukwu bailed, to return to Police in four days

The President-General of the Alor People’s Convention, Chief Emma Ojukwu, has been released from police custody.

Chief Ojukwu was released on bail on Wednesday night by the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters in Abuja.

He was, however, instructed to return in four days.

According to a police source, the embattled President-General was summarily asked to go and make peace with the Igwe and the people of his town.

Again, in his reaction, the Lagos state Vice Chairman of Alor Development Union, Hon. Chuka Uzodike Ugoabata stated that the President-General upon his return from detention said, “Be that as it may, in Abuja, I explained each and every allegation in his petition, backed up with documentation to the satisfaction of the police. His allegations against me were clearly false. I was released to go home and to return when they needed me. The police in Abuja were very courteous to me. They acted professionally; from the DIG, the CP, ACP, the IPO, and others were all good to me and to others who were with me in solidarity.”

According to Ugoabata, the instruction by the police that the President-General make peace with the Igwe and people of Alor contradicts his claim that the police found him innocent of the allegations and told him to go.

“Emma Ojukwu ascended to his position through a harmonization process led by Alor’s critical stakeholders and the Anambra State Government, represented by the Honorable Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Chief Collins Nwabunne, and accompanied by the President General of the Association of Anambra State Town Unions (ASATU), Chief Titus Akpudo. This process involved various dignitaries, including the then-Honorable Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige. Despite this, Ojukwu has reportedly failed to honour the agreements from the harmonization process. He has consistently refused to work with the government-certified traditional ruler, Igwe Mac-Anthony Chinedu Elibe Okonkwo, and others brought into office through the same process, including his vice President-General, Chief Nso Okafor.

“Ojukwu and one Uzoma Igbonwa carried out a mock burial against one of their brothers from their Ntenege Kindred, Chief Olisa Igbonwa, who took the title of Ichie Ngene, by burying an empty casket, which is widely known. Meanwhile, they fully support one of their own who took the title of Ichie Yim in total disregard of the fact that the title belongs to Chief Alex Okonkwo, the first son of the former Traditional Ruler, Late HRM Igwe S.N. Okonkwo, EZEDIOHAMMA 1st of Alor.

“Ojukwu’s refusal to recognize and collaborate with Igwe Okonkwo and his colleagues has undermined the unity and governance structure established through the harmonization. This has further deepened the crisis in Alor, leading to a breakdown in communication and cooperation within the community’s leadership.

“The arrest and subsequent release of Emma Ojukwu highlight the ongoing need for accountability and reconciliation within Alor. His actions, particularly through the “Tiger Squad,” have brought distress to the community. Additionally, his refusal to work with the traditional ruler and other harmonized leaders has exacerbated the instability in Alor. It is crucial for law enforcement to also investigate Chief Uzoma Igbonwa, who has played a significant role in the ongoing crisis.

“We urge all Alor residents to remain calm and allow the law to take its course. The pursuit of justice and peace should be our collective priority”, the statement read.