The controversy surrounding the alleged illegal imposition of a security levy on shop owners in Enugwu-Agidi has deepened, with fresh evidence emerging against the President General (PG) of Enugwu-Agidi Brotherly Union (EBU), Hon. Chukwuebuka Onuorah.
In a detailed statement issued by Ichie Ifeanyi Ndulue (Onyima Enugwu-Agidi), Chief Press Secretary to HRH Igwe Michael Chidozie Okekeuche (Okpalariam III of Enugwu-Agidi Umunri Ancient Kingdom), he reaffirmed his accusations against the PG, describing the levy as illegal and in clear violation of the EBU constitution.
According to Ndulue, shop owners in Enugwu-Agidi were arbitrarily charged ₦6,000 each as a security levy, an amount he claims was not approved by the Central Executive Committee (CEC) or the General Conference of the EBU. Citing Chapter 2, Article 7, Sections 7 and 8 of the EBU constitution, he explained that all levies must be imposed through the CEC and ratified by the General Conference.
“For avoidance of doubt, every member of EBU across branches pays ₦2,100 annually as a security levy, which is collected through the branch financial secretaries and remitted to the central fund. Shop owners, however, are not subjected to such payments. They already fulfill their obligations by paying local government revenues, such as business premises and environmental fees,” he stated.
Ndulue further alleged that receipts for the illegal security levy were issued by Mr. Clement Nebolise, a personal aide to the PG, rather than Engr. Chinedum Okoye, the official financial secretary of the union. This, he claimed, rendered the transaction not only unconstitutional but also criminal.
The Chief Press Secretary also challenged the PG’s claims regarding the use of the collected funds. While Onuorah allegedly defended the levy by stating that it was used to pay for security services, Ndulue argued that security operations in the community fall under the jurisdiction of the Anambra State Vigilante Group (AVG), which is funded by the state government.
“The PG cannot deceive the public. AVG is a state government establishment, and its officers receive their remuneration from the government. Hon. Chukwuebuka Onuorah is merely subverting the good intentions of Governor Chukwuma Soludo for his personal interest,” he asserted.
Additionally, he accused the PG of blocking the establishment of a Central Vigilante Team for Enugwu-Agidi by obtaining a court order restraining the Anambra State Ministry of Local Government, the traditional ruler, and village chairmen from forming such a team.
Ndulue also alleged that the PG had mismanaged several funds, including development fees collected from developers and donations made at the September 2024 CEC meeting. He urged the PG to account for the funds and disclose his professional background for public scrutiny.
Furthermore, he strongly refuted claims that HRH Igwe Okekeuche or any past traditional ruler had ever imposed or collected security levies from the people. “There is no revenue office in the palace of Okpalariam Enugwu-Agidi,” he emphasized.
As the controversy escalates, Ndulue has called on the Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, and relevant security agencies to intervene and investigate the activities of the President General.
“The precarious situation in Enugwu-Agidi demands urgent attention. The government and security agencies must act swiftly to restore order and ensure justice for the people,” he concluded.
