Obeagu Ugwuaji’s Caretaker Committee: Enugu Govt. Denies Backdating Documents

The Enugu State Government has denied allegation of backdating documents leading to the constitution of Obeagu Ugwuaji Caretaker Committee, a community located at Enugu South Council Area of the State.

This is contained in a statement issued by Sammie Echi-Agbo, the Media Aide to the State Commissioner for Local Government, Rural Development and Chieftaincy Affairs, Deacon Okey Ogbodo, on behalf of the ministry in Enugu.

The statement was titled “False Claims And Misinformation On Constitution Of A Caretaker Committee in Obeagu Ugwuaji Community”.

He said, the attention of the Honourable Commissioner for Local Government, Rural Development and Chieftaincy Affairs, Deacon Okey Ogbodo, has been drawn to the deliberate and misleading reports circulating on social media.

According to him, the report was allegedly sponsored by a faction within the community, aimed at discrediting the ministry’s lawful actions in the interest of peace, order, and community progress.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the ministry, after extensive consultations and in line with its statutory responsibilities, took a decision to dissolve the existing Town Union leadership in Obeagu Ugwuaji.

“And to constitute a five-man Caretaker Committee to restore peace, foster inclusiveness, and ensure a smooth transition towards credible town union elections.

“This action was taken pursuant to Section 26 of the Funds for Rural Development Law, Cap. 81, Laws of Enugu State 2004, which empowers the Commissioner to dissolve any Town Union that is deemed a threat to peace, development, or unity within the community.

“It is on record that at the time the committee was constituted, no injunction had been served on the Commissioner.

“The exercise followed the due procedure and was executed in the exercise of powers granted by the laws of Enugu State,” he said.

He added that, “The allegations of contempt and backdating of documents are therefore unfounded, misleading, and a deliberate attempt to stir public unrest.

“The media are enjoined to refrain from sensational reporting by investigating and balancing their reports in the interest of fairness and justice and Ogbodo’s office is always open to clarify issues of this nature”.

“He said the commissioner had no personal interest in the leadership of any community but remains committed to ensuring that peace, transparency and inclusivity guide the administration of rural communities in the state.

“It is regrettable that certain individuals, bent on retaining control through factionalism and exclusion, have resorted to threats, blackmail, and false narratives to derail the peace efforts of the government,” he stressed.

Agbo, however, urged the good people of Obeagu Ugwuaji to remain calm, law-abiding, and cooperate with the newly constituted caretaker committee comprising, Mr Joseph Ani as Chairman,
Francis Egbo, Secretary, Samuel Ugwu, member and Christian Nwaobodo, member

“The committee is mandated to audit past activities and financial records of the former leadership, propose constitutional amendments that reflect fair zoning arrangements and hold accountable past executives.

They were also expected to prepare and conduct free, fair, and credible town union elections and submit periodic reports to the ministry between May 23, 2025, to May 23, 2026.

He stressed that the Commissioner warns mischief-makers and those hired to disturb the peace of the community to desist forthwith.

“The ministry will not tolerate any act capable of jeopardizing the unity and development of Obeagu Ugwuaji or any other community in Enugu State. The ministry remains resolute in its duty to serve all communities fairly and in accordance with the law,” he said.