By Brenda Chidinma Imo-Eze
The 2023 APC House of Representatives candidate for Afikpo/Edda Federal Constituency and former Chairman of Edda Local Government Area in Ebonyi State, Chief Eni Uduma Chima, has vehemently denied allegations leveled against him, attributing them to the machinations of the State APC Chairman, Chief Stanley Okoro Emegha.
The accusations, according to Eni, aim to create unnecessary tension within the community and disrupt the operations of the Ekoli Bond of Hope.
In response to the allegations, which insinuated his involvement in activities potentially destabilizing the community, Eni described them as baseless and aimed at tarnishing his image.
He accused Emegha of orchestrating a smear campaign to paint him as a violent individual, despite his peaceful interactions within Ekoli and his community’s support.
Reacting to Eni’s allegation, Emegha, a former Commissioner for Internal Security in the State noted that time shall come when Eni will answer questions, regarding the brewing insecurity in Ekoli Community.
However, Eni countered these claims, asserting that the allegations were fabricated to justify an extension of tenure for the Caretaker Committee in Ekoli, he further, denied any involvement in acts of violence or intimidation.
Eni stated “I went through the content of the things they wrote; one, to a maternal family to warn me, to my kindred, to my village people, to the Community, in fact, generally raising alarm that should anything untoward happen in the Community, should the Army be attacked, should the neighbouring Community be attacked, it is Eni.
“They said in those pieces I saw that I was seen at different points moving around with armed people; people who were carrying what they call short gun pistol; that I was moving from place to place with them. .
“All these cock and bull stories were weaved together by Stanley Okoro Emegha to create the impression that Eni Uduma Chima is a violent person but nothing like that happened.
“The only truth there is that I was in Ekoli this weekend. I never left my compound for any place and whenever I am in Edda, I don’t even move around with security including the Police, which work with me. Everybody who knows me can attest to that. I am loved by the people. I am at peace with them. I am a part of them and it annoys them that I am able to move about without a single security once I am in Ekoli.
“So, the stories they came up with was done to create tension, heat up the polity and give impression that there was impending disaster. The whole thing is aimed at making sure that a very unpopular Caretaker Committee that is in place in Ekoli is given tenure extension.
That is what it is all about. They want tenure extension and our position is that the people should be allowed to choose their community leaders.
“Whoever Stanley Okoro Emegha wants, should pick the forms and contest the election which is election of delegates. Each village nominates 10 representatives, the age grades nominate 5 delegates, its manageable; less than 200 persons in an open field. Conduct the election and they will not put one executive of the town Union. They are so unpopular and the people know them.
“So, they want to use instrument of government and their position to coerce and emasculate the people and our position is that it shouldn’t be. So, they are creating non-existent tension and manufacturing problems where none is existing .
“Come to think of it, they saw me with a group of people carrying guns in a community that has at least three military checkpoints and in a Local Government that has five military checkpoints, Army bases and they didn’t raise alarm.”