*Cites constitutional breach
By Dennis Okechukwu
Sir Chibuzor Enwereuzor, Ogbaturuenyi Mbaise, has faulted the move to disband the proposed Amumara youth election, describing it as unconstitutional and harmful to youth participation and community stability.
Recall that the Eziala Amumara Development Union (EADU) had in a statement, formally distanced itself from a proposed Amumara Youths Election, describing the process as premature and lacking legitimacy.
In a public notice dated January 25, 2026, the union said it neither initiated nor endorsed the planned election and would not be responsible for its conduct or outcome. The disclaimer followed consultations with the three recognised Presidents-General of the Amumara communities, where a joint decision was reached to step down the proposed exercise.
According to the union, Amumara currently lacks a recognised federated parent body from which a youth organisation can validly derive authority, structure, and collective mandate.
Reacting to the controversy, Ogbaturuenyi argued that the planned exercise is a ward-level election backed by the local government council, which he said possesses higher administrative authority than any other community body. He dismissed claims that the youth election lacks legitimacy, insisting that youth wings, by constitutional provision, have the right to self-governance, including conducting elections, impeachments, and forming transition leadership.
He accused unnamed individuals and community leaders of manipulating the youth structure for personal interests, warning that such interference could render the youth body ineffective and deepen communal tensions. Enwereuzor challenged the President-Generals opposing the election to cite constitutional provisions granting them powers to cancel youth elections.
Describing the move as an “annihilation of Amumara youths,” he cautioned that undermining youth autonomy could fuel unrest and insecurity. He called for restraint, dialogue, and respect for constitutional rights, stressing that communities without functional youth organizations remain vulnerable under current security challenges.
He drew the attention of the officials of the Town union of the illegality of their action citing a recent statement by the state Governor Hope Uzodinma that had just lifted the long-standing ban on Town Union elections across Imo State and had ordered fresh polls to restore democratic leadership at the grassroots.
Speaking at a meeting with traditional rulers in Owerri on January 17, 2026, Governor Uzodinma had directed the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs to begin preparations immediately. Uzodimma nullified all town union elections conducted during the embargo and condemned the appointment of President-Generals by local government chairmen. He stressed strict compliance with community constitutions and mandated relevant ministries and ALGON to ensure transparent, fair elections. The move aims to strengthen accountability, community development, and participatory governance statewide.