UGHELLI/Nigeria: The Chairman of Okuama Community, Mr. Vote Johnwalker, has declared that residents may boycott forthcoming elections, citing what he described as prolonged injustice and the continued detention of community leaders without trial.
Addressing journalists, Johnwalker said the decision stems from deep frustration and a growing sense of marginalisation, alleging that Okuama has been treated as an outcast following the military’s actions in the community.
According to him, it has been nearly two years since the arrest and detention of community leaders after the destruction of Okuama, with no visible progress toward justice.
“It has been about two years now since our leaders were arrested and detained by the military after the total destruction of the community,” he said.
He stressed that Nigeria operates under the rule of law, insisting that due process must be followed in handling criminal allegations.
“It is trite that the country is ruled by law. When someone is accused of committing a crime, the person should be charged in court and tried accordingly,” he stated.
Johnwalker recalled that while soldiers were reportedly killed near Okuama, the response led to the destruction of the community and the arrest of its leaders, who, he said, have remained in detention without trial.
He further alleged that one of the detained leaders, James Achovwuko Oghoroko, died in military custody, while the community’s treasurer, Pa Dennis Okugbaye, was critically ill before being released on health grounds.James Acho
He listed others still in detention to include Prof. Arthur Ekpekpo, a Professor of Physics at Delta State University and President-General of Ewu Development Union; Chief Belvis Adogbo; Dennis Amalaka; and Mabel Owhemu.
The chairman also accused the military of disobeying court orders mandating that the detainees be produced in court, describing the situation as a breach of the rule of law.
“The court gave orders for the detained persons to be brought before it, but the military has refused till now. It appears they are above the law,” he said.
He warned that the community would withhold participation in any electoral process until their demands are met.
“We have decided that there will be no election in Okuama Community unless our leaders are released. If they are interested in our votes, they should first solve our problem,” Johnwalker declared.
Source: Vanguard Newspaper
