Following the ongoing investigation into the communal crises that have engulfed Okon-Aku Autonomous Community in Ohafia, it has become imperative for us, the Concerned Citizens of Okon-Aku Community (CCOC) in the Diaspora, to address what we consider a recurring and critical issue within the crisis. We also deem it necessary to place certain facts before the Panel of Inquiry to help them understand the calibre of individuals involved in this matter.
Without ambiguity, it must be clearly stated that Dr Nmecha Umeh, within the context of Okon-Aku affairs, is not associated with the noble role often described as “The Devil’s Advocate.” Rather, he has consistently remained at the centre of several negative developments in the community. His actions over time portray a pattern of questionable character and persistent vendetta against Okon-Aku as a collective entity. This hostility appears to stem from his belief that he was entitled to exercise unchecked control over the community’s collective patrimony without accountability or consequences.
Historical records within the community point to a previous crisis, during which Dr Umeh’s self-imposed authority—where he acted as “lord and king” over the people—triggered violent confrontations between native doctors and compounds against each other. That incident resulted in serious injuries to over thirteen persons approximately three years ago. Additionally, he arrogated to himself the sale of various community-owned assets, including electrical transformers and an industrial generator belonging to Okamu Secondary School, among other properties within his reach. These actions followed his access to proceeds from the sale of palm fruits at the EREI farm settlement, an exercise that traditionally is supposed to generate millions of naira to Okon-Aku as a community, not individuals.
It is also verifiable that his sustained interest in monetary gain and unauthorised disposal of community assets culminated in the sale of the largest iron tank at EREI for a paltry N4.1Million Naira (evidence attached). The proceeds from this transaction were directly paid into his personal account. This action drew the attention of the Abia State Government under Governor Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, leading to his stoppage and subsequent suspension as President of the Okon-Aku Development Union (ODU) by his people. His detention by security authorities for investigation was considered by the people of Okon-Aku as a disgrace to both the community and the office he occupied. Regrettably, rather than accepting responsibility for his actions, he reportedly vowed that Okon-Aku would never know peace for choosing to uphold accountability.
Furthermore, following the intervention of the Local Government and the Ministry of Chieftaincy Affairs—which facilitated a legitimate leadership selection process later recognised by the government—Dr. Nmecha Umeh was among those who created a parallel stool. He openly supported and encouraged Ndi Uma during this period, a situation that eventually led to the tragic loss of a young life, Akuma. Subsequently, he positioned himself as an advocate, spokesperson, and solicitor to the family of the deceased, despite allegations that his actions and encouragement contributed to the circumstances that led to the needless death.
It is deeply troubling that an individual with such a record is now freely appearing before a reputable Panel of Inquiry. Within the community, it has been widely alleged that one of the unresolved issues involves Dr Umeh’s leasing of the community palm plantation to Mrs Grace Udensi Kalu for a period of seven years. This arrangement, it is claimed, placed him in a position of dependency, as he was unable to refund the money after his suspension as ODU President.
We hereby caution the general public to exercise restraint and vigilance concerning Dr Nmecha Umeh, particularly with respect to unprofessional bloggers whose narratives are only driven by financial inducements rather than a commitment to truth. From behind computer screens and mobile phones, falsehoods are manufactured and circulated. While they profess to seek justice for the dead, they simultaneously associate with individuals accused of wrongdoing—thereby dishonouring the memory of the deceased and deepening the collective pain borne by Okon-Aku.
We respectfully advise the Panel of Inquiry to exercise utmost caution in dealing with characters such as Dr Nmecha Umeh. His agitation is not rooted in the genuine pursuit of peace for Okon-Aku, but rather in the protection of those responsible for plunging the community into mourning and anguish. He is known for laundering the image of suspected perpetrators, blackmailing innocent individuals in pursuit of personal vendetta, and engaging journalists who summarily lack professional ethics and moral discernment, responding only to monetary influence.
Nevertheless, Okon-Aku remains calm, observant, and resolute. We believe that in due time, justice will prevail—for at the end of the rain, the mother hen must always return home to roost.
Signed:
Mr. Peter Kalu Chima
Convener, Concerned Citizens of Okon-Aku Community (CCOC) in the Diaspora
(A body of stakeholders comprising Okon-Aku sons and daughters abroad)
