The Umunneochi Legislative Council says though it recognises and respects the critical role community-based organisations play in development, when such platforms are drawn into partisan or personal political agenda, they risk eroding the neutrality and credibility that underpin their legitimacy.
The Legislative Council in a reply to an earlier letter written to it by the Council of Umunneochi President Generals endorsed by the Secretary and President General Development Union, Engineer Chief Ochiabuto Orji, pointed out that while town unions play essential roles in community development, their politicization could only breed confusion, division and mistrust.
The Legislative body whose letter was signed by the Leader Rt Hon Chukwu Obiageri Nkeiruka therefore enjoined community development Unions to always maintain their non-partisan stance and their unity-building purpose.
The Umunneochi Legislative Council which berated the role played by Engineer Ochiabuto Orji in serving the selfish purpose of speaking and supporting the Executive arm without considering the legality of the action, reminded him that the Councillors will not succumb to any form of intimidation.
“Our legitimacy derives not from fleeting alliances, but from the democratic mandate of our constituents and our commitment to the principles of transparency, equity and lawfulness-as championed by the state leadership under His Excellency, Dr.Alex C.Otti, OFR.”
“We reiterate that the Umunneochi Legislative Council is a constitutionally recognised democratic institution, committed to lawful governance, due process and accountable service. We act not on personal whims, but within the constitutional framework that governs all public institutions….
“It is important to recall that as far back as 2024, respected public voices within Isuochi – including stakeholders and the Ochi-in-Council expressed serious concerns about your leadership conduct.
“A formal letter from the traditional institution, signed by the revered Ochi 1, stated clearly that your actions had breached communal and leadership expectations,” the Legislators observed.
While describing the letter said to have emanated from clan development heads as an overreach, the Councillors noted:
“It is striking that your letter omits any concern over what many stakeholders, civil society observers and media commentators have flagged a troubling usurpation of authority by the executive, marked by a consistent disregard for legislative input and statutory checks and balances.
“For example, eight months into our tenure, the Finance and General-Purpose Committee has yet to be convened by the mayor, despite clear legal provisions mandating its role in reviewing and approving Council expenditures.
“The law is unambiguous on the proper constitution and operation of the F&G Committee.
“Furthermore, multiple Councillors have faced harassment, detention and even physical assault during official legislative sessions – incidents currently under investigation by relevant Government Security Agencies (GSAs).”
On the said events of 17 July, 2025, talked about in the clan heads letter, the Legislative Council wrote thus: “The events of the referenced date involved a purported removal of a legislative officer- an act executed in clear violation of due process and statutory procedure.
“We wish to state unequivocally that public institutions are not private estates. No individual or group has the authority to bypass the democratic process and impose preferences in the name of “public interest.”
