ASATU Election Matters Arising: Barr. Titus Akpudo not a PG?
ASATU Election Matters Arising: Barr. Titus Akpudo not a PG?
Our previous report on the coming Anambra State Association of Town Unions-ASATU, which can be read here, generated tremendous feedback. In fact, we have been furnished with some information which necessitated this follow up report, with exclusive videos and pictures.
It is shocking that Barr. Titus Akpudo, of Eziowelle, who is also one of the contenders for the office of National President of ASATU, is no longer the President General of Eziowelle community. According to Chief Anthony Chigbo who asked to be quoted, remarked that Barr. Titus is no longer their PG, as he was dully removed from office since 9th November, 2019. In his place, the community nominated Mr. Ezenwa Azie as the acting PG of Eziowelle. Chief Anthony who spoke passionately in an interview he granted the Nigeria Television Authority-NTA, during the community’s protest at the Government House Awka, which was made available to KALUZA, asked the governor to withdraw the letter of recognition given to Barr. Titus Akpudo as he has lost the confidence of Eziowelle people which led to his removal as the President General of Eziowelle.
See the protest video below:
In a letter titled “Constitutional Removal of Barr.Titus N. Akpudo as President General of Eziowelle Improvement Union for Jumping Bail, Evading Investigation and Possible Prosecution”, addressed to the Governor through the Special Adviser on Chieftaincy and Town Union Matters, dated 11th November 2019, which was obtained exclusively by KALUZA; the letter reads in part, “we humbly inform Your Excellency…of the inevitable removal of Barrister Titus Akpudo as President General of Eziowelle Improvement Union…in compliance with Article XVI section (c) (d) and (e) of the 1992 constitution of Eziowelle Improvement Union and Article X Section (f) of the 1992 constitution of Eziowelle Improvement Union”. Some of the reasons listed in the letter, which led to Barr. Akpudo’s removal from office include, “inability of Barr. Titus Akpudo to preside over the affairs of Eziowelle Improvement Union”. Secondly, “Criminal inability of Barr. Titus Akpudo, to honour the terms of the administrative bail he was granted over a criminal case in Lagos and instead, he jumped bail”. Finally, a “vote of no confidence on Barr. Titus Akpudo and his exco by the people of Eziowelle”. He was also accused of failing to render account of stewardship for three years.
Eziowelle Community Government House Protest Picture
Chief Chigbo regretted that he is not certain the government has taken any action to address their stand, by withdrawing the recognition given Barr. Akpudo, as he does not represent Eziowelle anymore in any capacity. We could not confirm if the government is duly informed on the developments, even as our efforts to reach Barr. Akpudo proved abortive.
Two major questions come to mind; first, is Barr. Akpudo still supposed to be a member of ASATU considering that he no longer has the support of the people he is leading and has been removed from office? Secondly, since Barr. Titus Akpudo obviously could not manage the affairs of his own community, is it possible that he can manage the affairs of the 179 communities in Anambra State? These are some of the questions begging for answers.
A timely government intervention is urgently needed in Eziowelle, along the wishes of Eziowelle people, to ensure that the right thing is done and that the position of the people, whatever it may be, is respected.
Eziowelle Community Protest picture
Town Unions are veritable instruments of community based development. If Town Unions are organized to serve their original purposes, the bulk of the burden on the government and the craving for government presence, will naturally diminish and for good reasons. Town Union leadership will organize and foster progress within their communities, with or without government largesse. So it is extremely important that Town Unions gets it leadership right!