By Ndife David – (ABS News)
The Anambra State Association Of Town Union (ASATU) has today, 25th July 2023 protested over the continous harassment and molestation of President Generals in many communities in Anambra State.
The protest which took place today at the Government House in Awka had in attendance all the three ASTU zonal coordinators and other President Generals (PG) of various communities in the state.
Earlier in a press briefing, the ASATU National President, Barr. Titus Akpudo who narrated the incident at Ifitedunu that lead to the countless arrest, assault and harassment of one of it Members, Chief Uchenna Nwoye in the hands of thugs and mischief makers, condemned the attack. He described the experience as humiliating and dehumanizing.
Also making their demand known to the Anambra State Commissioner for Local Government And Chieftaincy Affairs at his State Office, the ASATU National President pleaded with the State Government to as a matter of urgency intervene in the situation to avoid anarchy and impending crisis. He called on Gov Soludo to declare the perpetrators of what he called, “barbaric act” enemies of the State, get them arrested and brought to book.
He emphasized that Chief Uchenna Nwoye who was duly elected PG by majority of Ifitedunu people, was also recognized by the State Government, hence proper procedure must be taken in removing him from office if found wanting or defaulting in service either by the constitution or normal court process following the usual guidelines for persecution by the court of law if need be.
Barr Akpudo also called on Prof. Chukwuma Soludo to take a drastic step towards bringing the ugly trend to a perpetual end by first of all issuing a stern warning to the assaulters to desist from attacking and molesting PGs across the State and ensuring the adequate security and protection of PGs as watcheye of the government in every community.
He commended the Commissioner, Hon. Nwabunwanne for always standing by the Union and promised to continue to support the Anambra Project for a livable and prosperous smart homeland.
READ ALSO: Anambra how gunmen killed three policemen in okowa security team
In their separate contribution, the ASATU Second National Vice President and PG Osumoghu Town Union, Ichie Chika Dennis Momufe, Okija PG, Ken Emeakayi and his Ezinifite counterpart, Nze Nwora Ekwilo represented by Hon. Emeka Umeakukar amongst others commended the National President for his efforts. They shared their experience and lamented over the constant bad treatment meted on members and called for more proactive measures to tackle the situation.
They resolve to take the matter to the State Commissioner of Police and also engage the media to report any further incident and urge the youths to take up the responsibility of monitoring, reporting and engaging any suspicious activities, violence or assault against any PG in their community.
They however called on the State Government to provide adequate protection for the Town Union Heads, noting that the work is time and resource demanding and a life threatening one.
Responding, the Commissioner for Local Government And Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Anthony Collins Nwabunwanne on behalf of the state government while commending the PGs for their conduct over the situation expressed great displeasure with the ugly incident, describing the sad event as rather pathetic and disgraceful to both the State Government and the Union.
He affirmed that the Government is already aware of the incident and is already taking the necessary steps to address the situation. He also noted that Gov Soludo has also directed the security agencies to commence investigation and bring the culprit to book, he said.
“This administration is the last to accommodate any form of rascality and asuch anybody who decides to take laws into their hands will be adequately dealt with because nobody is above the government, he added.”
He further appealed to the ASATU Body to allow due process to follow it course and assured justice for the victim.
