Umunneochi under siege: When a mayor becomes a tryant and a DPO becomes his enforcer
There is a quiet but dangerous war being waged in Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State—a war not with bullets and bombs, but with abuse of office, silencing of elected voices, and a blatant hijack of the democratic process.
In an act that should enrage every defender of democracy, elected councillors of Umunneochi, duly chosen by their people to represent them, have been blocked from sitting in their legislative chambers. The reason? One man—Mayor Sunday Afurobi—has decided that the people’s voices no longer matter.
The legislative chamber was locked, and the House Leader, Rt. Hon. Chukwu Obiajeli Nkeruka and her fellow councillors were denied entry. Instead, they were met with intimidation, surveillance, and obstruction—not from political opponents but allegedly from the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Chris Eze, of the Nkwogu Police Station in Isuochi.
This is not an isolated incident. This is a pattern—a deliberate attempt by Mayor Afurobi to shut down legislative oversight, bypass due process, and operate Umunneochi like a private estate.
It is common sense that a mayor who fears legislative scrutiny will do everything to destroy the very body that is empowered to question him. That’s exactly what’s happening. Sunday Afurobi is creating and empowering monsters—political thugs, cultists, and compromised officials—to enforce silence and shield him from accountability.
And this raises critical questions:
• Who approves the money Mayor Afurobi spends?
• What contracts are being awarded in the dark, without legislative review?
• How is the council being governed when its elected members are treated like criminals?
• And why are Abia State’s lawkeepers silent as this tragedy unfolds?
It is terrifying to watch a federal police officer, DPO Chris Eze, allegedly throw away his oath and descend into local dirty politics. He reportedly locked out councillors, escorted political agents, and obeyed the Mayor instead of the Commissioner of Police. This is nothing short of a collapse of law enforcement discipline and a betrayal of the Nigerian people.
What came over this officer? What price was paid for him to surrender his uniform to political misuse?
And to the Chief Judge of Abia State, the Attorney General, and the Executive Council—we ask:
How do these illegalities escape your notice? How long will you look away while local tyranny grows in broad daylight?
If Umunneochi is allowed to fall into authoritarianism, a dangerous precedent will be set across the state. Other LGAs will follow. Other DPOs will be compromised. And soon, the local government system—meant to be the closest and most accountable to the people—will become a playground of unchecked power and intimidation.
This whole issue calls for an urgent call to action:
1. The immediate investigation, suspension, and prosecution of DPO Chris Eze for abuse of office, unlawful interference in democratic processes, and aiding political violence in Umunneochi LGA.
2. Accountability and disciplinary action against Mayor Sunday Afurobi may include suspension and detailed investigations for unlawfully locking out the legislative council, usurping their powers, and using illegal actors to enforce tyranny.
3. Restoration of the legislative council’s full rights to convene, deliberate, and exercise oversight over public funds and governance without threat or interference.
4. Public responses from the Governor of Abia State, the Chief Judge, and the Attorney General clearly outline their actions to restore the rule of law and prevent a complete breakdown of constitutional governance.
This is no longer a political disagreement. It is an assault on democracy, sabotage of justice, and a crime against the people.
If we remain silent, we become accomplices.
Let it be known: Umunneochi does not belong to anyone but the people. The Nigeria Police Force is not for sale. And the people’s voice cannot be padlocked.
Let the councillors sit. Let justice rise. And let those who violate the Constitution face the full wrath of the law.
