Naze Youths Denounce Nwabueze, Demand Apology Over PG Imposition Bid

By Joseph Odoekwu, KSM

The Naze Youth Association, NYA, has issued a scathing rebuke to Hon. Leo Onyirimba Nwabueze, Councillor representing Naze Ward in the Owerri North Legislative Council, over what it described as an “embarrassment” and “gross violation of the law” in the ongoing President General tussle in Naze Autonomous Community.

In a letter dated August 29, 2026 and jointly signed by its President General, Comrade Eze Casmir Nnanna, and Secretary General, Maduakolam Nnaemeka N., the youth body rejected the councillor’s August 27 warning letter which threatened action against anyone who recognizes a President General other than the one recognized by Owerri North LGA.

The apex ruling socio-cultural youth association in the community accused Hon. Nwabueze of inconsistency, recalling that he had earlier rejected the endorsement of Prof. Joe Ken Nzerem as President General and even signed a rejoinder to that effect alongside Ken Chinonso Anoruo and Sam Anyanwu on June 19, 2026.

“It’s baffling and boggles the mind that you are suddenly now championing the course of imposition against the gospel you earlier preached,” the letter stated. “One wonders if you have suddenly thrown your sense of judgement, conscience and integrity into the wind.”

NYA argued that the councillor has “no locus standi to issue such notice of warning” to Naze youths and the community, describing the letter as “a monumental embarrassment to not just Naze youths alone but the community at large.”

Grounding its position in law, the youth body cited “Section 8, Subsection 3 of the 1999 Constitution”, which recognizes community development associations, and the “Companies and Allied Matters Act, CAMA 2020”, under which town unions are registered.

“The Constitution does not empower the local government to appoint their leader,” NYA stated.

“The role of President General, Secretary, the executives and other members come from the town union Constitution and not from government appointment.”

They insisted that the role of the LGA is limited to “recognize whoever was duly elected by the community for government programs, communication and security meetings.”

The group also questioned the justification for “the appointment of a third-place finisher as the President General of Naze Autonomous Community,” adding, “Your guess is as good as mine.”

While describing the councillor’s action as “provocative, offensive and contemptuous” and capable of threatening “the already existing unity and peace” in Naze, NYA advised him to focus on lawmaking rather than “indulging in an act capable of creating crisis.”

“I therefore advise you to retract your disdainful and supercilious letter with immediate effect and tender a written apology letter to Naze community for this global humiliation,” the statement concluded.

The letter was copied to the Traditional Ruler of Naze, the Commissioner for LGA & Chieftaincy Affairs, the Executive Chairman of Owerri North LGA, the Police, Ndi Oha, Ndi Obilobi, Oganihu Umu Naze, and other key stakeholders.

The development is the latest escalation in the tussle over who occupies the office of President General in Naze Autonomous Community.