Umuaka Youths Disown Article Describing Etiokwe as ‘Worst’ Njaba Council Chairman
By Anselem Anokwute
Concerned youths and stakeholders of Umuaka Ancient Kingdom in Njaba Local Government Area of Imo State have dissociated themselves from a publication purportedly credited to some Umuaka youths by a ficticous social media blog “Umuaka news 24”, which described the Executive Chairman of Njaba Local Government Area, Chief Vitalis Ugochukwu Obi, popularly known as Etiokwe Njaba, “Omere Njaba Juo Oyii!,” as the “worst” chairman in the history of the area.
The group described the publication as misleading, unsubstantiated and capable of tarnishing the image of Umuaka and creating unnecessary division within the local government.
In a statement made available to journalists, the youths questioned the authenticity of the report, particularly its failure to identify the individuals behind the allegations or provide a credible byline, despite attributing the claims to “some youths in Umuaka.”
They maintained that genuine criticism of an elected public official should be constructive, evidence-based and properly attributed, rather than presented through anonymous publications capable of misleading the public.
According to the group, the report also failed to acknowledge what they described as the significant security challenges that confronted Njaba in recent years and the efforts of the state government, security agencies and the council administration in restoring peace and stability across the area.
They argued that the restoration of security in communities previously affected by criminal activities mostly Umuaka should itself be regarded as an important achievement of any local government administration.
The youths further defended the performance of Chief Etiokwe, saying his administration had made efforts to improve security and strengthen the general administration of the council within the period under review.
They also noted that the people of Njaba had embraced a zoning arrangement designed to promote equity and fairness among the various political blocs in the local government.
According to them, the current political arrangement has seen Umuaka Ancient Kingdom occupy the State House of Assembly seat, while the zoning understanding provides opportunities for other blocs to benefit from elective positions at the appropriate time.
They therefore described the omission of this aspect in the disputed publication as an attempt to create unnecessary tension and division among the people of Njaba.
The group appealed to the people of Umuaka Ancient Kingdom not to allow individuals allegedly pursuing personal or political interests to use the name of the community to attack public officials or undermine the unity of the area.
They stressed that constructive criticism remained essential in a democracy, as it enables elected officials to remain accountable to the people, but cautioned against what they described as false allegations, incitement and unverified claims.
The youths further urged journalists and social media commentators to uphold professional standards by verifying information before publication and providing identifiable sources for serious allegations against public office holders.
They maintained that the collective interest of the people of Njaba should remain paramount, insisting that the council administration deserved constructive engagement and support to deliver on its responsibilities.
The group said: “Positive criticism allows government and elected officials to remain accountable to the people. However, unsubstantiated allegations and anonymous publications should not be used to create division or damage the reputation of individuals and communities.”
They consequently urged the people of Umuaka and Njaba Local Government Area to remain united and focused on peace, development and good governance, while encouraging the council administration to continue to engage the people and address legitimate concerns.
