Alor Crisis: Maintain peace, status quo, Police warns Alor PG

The Nigerian Police Force has advised the President-General of the Alor Peoples Convention, Chief Emmanuel Ojukwu, to maintain peace and status quo following its intervention in the recent crisis that rocked the community.

This is coming on the heels of Ojukwu’s re-invitation by the police after he was released from their custody.

The community leader was last month (July) detained on the strength of an allegation of his involvement in the communal crisis and his refusal to honour police invitations.

CAPITAL POST had reported that one the most severe allegations against Ojukwu was his deployment of an unauthorized security outfit, the “Tiger Squad,” purportedly an extension of the notorious Ebubeagu security group. This group allegedly caused significant unrest in Alor, with their actions culminating in a sacrilegious incident where they disrupted a burial rite conducted by a Catholic Reverend Father in Agbor Village, Alor by forcefully snatching a microphone from him.

However, yesterday, the Nigerian Police Force held a meeting with the Traditional ruler of the community, Igwe Mac-Anthony Chinedu Elibe Okonkwo (Ezedioramma III of Alor) and his entourage, on one hand, and Chief Emmanuel Ojukwu, the President-General of the Alor Peoples Convention, along with his brother and associate, Chief Uzoma Igbonwa (Okeife Alor), on the other.

According to a credible source, the meeting was convened in response to a petition written by Igwe Okonkwo, which alleged threats to his life, disrespect towards his position as the recognized traditional ruler of Alor, and actions that could potentially disrupt peace and harmony in the town.

The source said, “Chief Emmanuel Ojukwu and his brother, Chief Uzoma Igbonwa, arrived at the Force CID Headquarters early in the morning, around 8:30 AM. They were received by the investigating police officer. Shortly thereafter, Igwe Okonkwo and his entourage arrived in a convoy and were ushered into the CID building.

“The feuding parties were then brought before a high-ranking police official, an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP). The ACP welcomed both groups warmly, acknowledging the presence of several titled men and dignitaries, including the Igwe.

He humbly remarked, “From what I am seeing, you are all respectable men, many of whom are titled chiefs and elders, including the revered traditional ruler. I feel I am not even worthy to be in a meeting with you, let alone adjudicating your matter, were it not for my position as a senior police officer.”

“Following this address, the ACP invited Igwe Mac-Anthony Chinedu Elibe Okonkwo to present his case. The Igwe reiterated that the issues between him and Chief Ojukwu were outlined in the petition, emphasizing that Chief Ojukwu had been holding town meetings without his involvement, despite his position as both the traditional ruler and the chief security officer of the town.

“The Igwe also accused the President-General of running a parallel security outfit, which he claimed constituted insubordination and posed a threat to peace and order in the town. Igwe Okonkwo further noted that despite these actions, he had personally chosen Chief Ojukwu for his position as President-General during the harmonization process that led to his appointment.

“The ACP then turned to Chief Emmanuel Ojukwu, asking him to respond to the accusations. Instead of speaking directly, Chief Ojukwu deferred to his predecessor, Chief Uzoma Igbonwa, to explain the situation. Chief Igbonwa presented a 2022 judgment from the Anambra State High Court, which allegedly ruled that the Igwe had been dethroned.

“However, the ACP interrupted to ask whether the state government had withdrawn the Igwe’s certificate of recognition as a result of this ruling. Chief Igbonwa responded that he was unaware of any such action.

“At this point, the Commissioner of Police took over the proceedings. He questioned Chief Emmanuel Ojukwu about his refusal to honor previous police invitations, which eventually led to his arrest.

“Chief Ojukwu explained that he had consulted a police officer in Lagos about attending the interview there instead of Abuja, but the Commissioner rebuked him, stressing that such an approach was unacceptable. The Commissioner also pointed out that a major cause of community crises like that in Alor was the disregard for the rule of law.

“The Commissioner then postponed the meeting until the next day, citing a directive from his superiors that prohibited visitors from remaining in the building beyond 6 PM.

“The second day of the interview resumed in the office of the ACP, with the Commissioner of Police continuing to coordinate the proceedings. Once again, Igwe Okonkwo reiterated that his petition stemmed from Chief Ojukwu’s acts of insubordination. When asked to respond, Chief Ojukwu defended his actions by arguing that he was acting in accordance with the law, as the court had dethroned the Igwe.

“The Commissioner then asked the Igwe whether he had appealed the court’s judgment and requested a stay of execution. The Igwe confirmed that he had done so. The Commissioner explained that this meant the parties must maintain the status quo until the appeal court reached a decision. Chief Igbonwa attempted to read portions of the high court judgment, but the Commissioner interrupted him, stating that since the case had been appealed, the high court’s ruling was no longer relevant, and the court of appeal’s decision was now the operative judgment.

“Chief Igbonwa became visibly agitated at this point and, in a fit of anger, threw a stack of documents onto the Commissioner’s desk. This led to a heated exchange between Chief Igbonwa and the ACP, with the latter threatening to detain Chief Igbonwa for showing disrespect to a superior officer. Chief Igbonwa quickly apologized and complied with the police’s instructions.

“After issuing several warnings, the Commissioner ordered Chief Emmanuel Ojukwu and Chief Uzoma Igbonwa to write undertakings to maintain peace and respect the status quo in the town as it is now clear to him that they are the real instigators of the crisis in the town. The Igwe was also asked to do the same. These undertakings included commitments from Chiefs Ojukwu and Igbonwa to recognize HRM Igwe Mac-Anthony Okonkwo as the legitimate Igwe of Alor and to maintain peace. In return, Igwe Okonkwo agreed to recognize Chief Emmanuel Ojukwu as the President-General of the town”.

The police assured Igwe Okonkwo that they would enforce the undertakings and ensure that peace and order were maintained in Alor, emphasizing that the Force CID was the highest investigative body in the Nigerian police force and that they were fully committed to upholding their decisions.

On his part, the Igwe of Alor, Chief Mac-Anthony Elibe Okonkwo, expressed gratitude to the Inspector General of Police (IGP) for his timely intervention in the matter. He also thanked the Force CID Headquarters for their forthrightness and integrity in handling the situation.

Igwe Okonkwo emphasized that the undertakings signed by the President-General, Chief Emmanuel Ojukwu, and his associate, Chief Uzoma Igbonwa, imply that moving forward, no one is permitted to call a meeting of the Alor Peoples’ Convention without his knowledge. Additionally, no vigilante or security group should operate in Alor without his approval, as he is both the Igwe and the chief security officer of the town. This arrangement is to remain in effect pending the determination of the case in the Court of Appeal and, if necessary, the Supreme Court.

In his own reaction, Rev, Innocent Chukwudi Peace- Udochukwu a member of Alor Peace and Reconciliation committee stated that it is worth commending the officers and gentlemen at the Police CID Force Headquarters, Abuja, for their professionalism, equity, and integrity throughout the proceedings. Their adherence to the rule of law and commitment to upholding justice is commendable. Their actions in this matter reflect the highest standards of law enforcement, as they consistently maintained fairness and impartiality, ensuring that all parties adhered to legal principles. The importance of peace and the rule of law in resolving the longstanding crisis in Alor cannot be overstated, and the role of the Force CID in guiding this process should be lauded. Finally, it is essential for the President-General and his cohorts to continue to uphold the peace and respect the rule of law to prevent further conflicts that have plagued Alor for more than a decade.