The citizens of Oraifite, in Ekwusigo Local Government Area of Anambra state, have called on the federal government to come to their aid and assist them in combating insecurity, which they cited as the reason for banning the celebration of Otueke festival.
The call was made at a press conference organised by the igwe of the Community, Dr Daniel Udoji and Oraifite President General (PG), Sir Vin Dike, at Oraifite Civic Centre on Monday.
“Otueke is an organisation that was set up by our forefathers to unite the people, to discuss important and vital issues of the town. It has multiple arms, there is an arm that is used for enforcement called ‘Otuebe’.
“Otuebe is an arm that was used by our forefathers to enforce order and obedience or collections within the community, the reason why we are placing a ban on it, is because some disgruntled elements are now using it to fuel insecurity and all other atrocious activities coming with this ‘Otu-Eke’ because it’s almost like a masquerade group.
“Some naive son’s of our land have hijacked ‘Otueke’ and it has become their personal property. They even registered it in a Cooperate Affairs Commission (CAC) and are using it for reasons that it was originally not meant for.”
The monarch further appealed to the people of the community to rise up , collaborate with security agencies and defend the community against its enemies.
Udoji said, “I am the Igwe of the town, I am the father of the town, every Oraifite person, male or female, citizens of Oraifite are my children, I take delight in supporting mostly, those who have positive values.
“Who has punctured the peace, love, unity and progress of Oraifite? Oraifite has been very peaceful, full of good news and progress, but of late, we have been bombarded with insecurity as a result of disgruntled elements thereby giving the community bad and negative publicity.
“Oraifite is blessed with the gift of a son like Mr Emeka Offor, he has done so much for us, Nigeria and in fact the whole world. You can remember the polio incident, he donated so much money to control polio not only in Nigeria, but across the world,” he said.
The Igwe who sued for peace between their two prominent sons, Ifeanyi Ejiofor and Mr. Emeka Offor, affirmed that peace is the key to security.
He further pleaded with Governor Soludo led administration to furnish the community with enough security personnel to foster peace and harmony in the state.
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