The Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area (ONELGA) Patriotic Youth Leaders Forum has leveled serious allegations of corruption and abuse of office against the immediate past local government chairman, Prince Umejuru. This was made known in a communiqué issued at the end of an emergency stakeholders’ meeting held in Agah, Egbema.
In a strongly worded statement signed by Akamadu Elvis, Director of media and publicity, the Forum accused the former chairman of mismanaging public funds, awarding fraudulent contracts to political allies lacking capacity, and undertaking poorly conceived projects—most notably, the unroofing of council buildings without proper planning.
The Forum further alleged that Prince Umejuru ran the council without adherence to any appropriation law, describing this as a gross violation of financial procedures. They claim his administration engaged in fictitious expenditures and unnecessary purchases that plunged the council into debt.
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According to the communiqué, funds spent on luxury hotel accommodations could have constructed six classroom blocks in each political ward in ONELGA. The Forum recalled that several respected stakeholders, including Prince Ohia, had warned against Umejuru’s leadership style, citing concerns over his alleged extravagance and lack of accountability—warnings they say were ignored.
In contrast, the youth body commended the current Sole Administrator, Dr. Chukwuma Ajie, for his ongoing efforts to restore transparency and accountability. However, they also cautioned that any deviation from good governance would be met with the same level of scrutiny and legal action.
The Forum also expressed concern over what it described as targeted cyberbullying and defamation against Dr. Ajie and other community leaders by supporters of the former chairman. They warned against further provocation, stating, “Those who live in glass houses should not throw stones.”
As part of its next steps, the Forum announced that its legal team has been mandated to petition relevant anti-corruption agencies to investigate the former chairman’s administration. “We are committed to pursuing every legal means to ensure justice and safeguard ONELGA’s commonwealth,” the statement concluded.
The ONELGA Patriotic Youth Leaders Forum reaffirmed its commitment to promoting transparency, integrity, and responsible governance across all levels of leadership in the area.
