By Jesse Ese
National News – Tension has continued to build in Otu-Ughievwen Community, Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State, following a dispute over the recent Community Development Committee (CDC) election, with stakeholders calling on the Delta State Government to intervene to prevent a breakdown of law and order.
The appeal was made by the Ughievwen Peace and Development Forum in a statement jointly signed by its Chairman, Mr. John Ariemure, and Secretary, Comrade Francis Emuejevoke Uvo.
According to the forum, the election produced Engr. Augustine Garri as winner with 10 votes, defeating Mr. Ogedegbe Bekederemor, who polled six votes, while Mr. Udorume Sunday secured two votes.
The group said Engr. Garri was subsequently sworn in as President of the community in the presence of elders, youths and women.
However, the forum alleged that the outcome of the election had been rejected by a group led by Dr. Adogbeji Ideh, resulting in growing tension within the community.
The forum further alleged that armed youths were recruited to attack supporters of the declared winner, leading to injuries and heightening fears of a communal crisis. The allegations could not be independently verified.
The group also accused the Delta State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Community and Social Development, Hon. Pat Ajudua, of issuing a Certificate of Participation to Mr. Bekederemor despite his defeat at the poll.
According to the forum, officials of the ministry did not monitor the election, making the subsequent issuance of the certificate a development that has further divided the community.
The forum appealed to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to intervene by directing all parties to respect due process and take necessary steps to restore peace in the community.
It also urged security agencies to investigate the reported attacks and prosecute anyone found culpable, irrespective of status or political affiliation.
In addition, the stakeholders called on the Delta State Government to establish an independent panel of inquiry to investigate the circumstances surrounding the election and recommend measures to restore lasting peace.
While commending the Chairman of Ughelli South Local Government Council for what it described as his proactive efforts, the forum warned that failure to promptly address the dispute could escalate tensions in Otu-Ughievwen Community.
Efforts to obtain responses from Dr. Adogbeji Ideh, Hon. Pat Ajudua, the Delta State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Community and Social Development, and Mr. Ogedegbe Bekederemor were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.
