The people of Mburubu community in Enugu State have called for a transparent process in the election of its leadership.

UGAMATV reports that Mburubu has been facing challenges of leadership for years, and every effort to resolve the problem has remained stalled.

The Mburubu General Assembly has now reiterated its demand for a free and fair contest, cautioning against imposition of leaders.

According to the Assembly, those to be elected as executive members of the Town Union should emerge through a credible voting process.

In a statement made on Tuesday, the community said it had taken note of lies being told Governor Peter Mbah.

The General Assembly, in the statement signed by Chief Edwin Ezeh claimed that one Dr. Chidi Peters Okorie, a media aide to the Commissioner for Science and Technology, was not presenting a clear picture to the governor.

According to the Assembly, “What the majority of our people are against is the imposition of candidates and the entrenchment of cabal leadership.

“It is unfortunate that you are economical with the truth in your recent publication.

“For the record, before any election takes place, there must be a pre-election meeting between the State Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Chieftaincy Matters and the stakeholders of the concerned community. This was exactly what the Honourable Commissioner had called for.

“Alleging that the Commissioner called to form a caretaker committee is false.

“What he called for was a pre-election meeting where the constitution of the community, if any, would be examined, modalities set, and constitutional procedures for electing an electoral panel as well as fixing the date for the election would be made.”

It insisted that contrary to claims, no election for the town union had been fixed.

“One question that you, Dr. Peters, who alleged that Deacon Okey Ogbodo cancelled an election, has failed to answer is this: Who fixed the said canceled election? Who formed the electoral panel?

“Was there any meeting between the Ministry and the community leaders to that effect apart from the one convened by the Ministry on October 2nd, 2025 and described as the pre-election meeting?

“Is it not strange that someone who serves as a Personal Assistant to a sitting Commissioner is attempting to pre-empt the outcome of a meeting days before it takes place?

“For him to accuse the Government of collecting N20 million to impose a caretaker committee in the community is a matter that should be investigated.

“One would also wonder why they repeatedly bring up the figure of N20 million whenever Mburubu leadership issues are mentioned.

“Recall that in 2023, they accused the Chairman of Nkanu East Local Government, Dr. Sydney Okechukwu Edeh, of collecting the same amount regarding the Mburubu Igweship matter.

“They later apologized. Now, the same baseless claim is being repeated. This clearly shows a lack of sincerity.

“It is troubling that individuals in such positions of responsibility would recklessly make accusations against a government they are supposed to serve.

“This is not only disrespectful but also creates unnecessary tension in the community and state at large.

“If the Ministry were to consider appointing a caretaker committee in Mburubu, it would still be within its constitutional powers to do so, especially where there are obstacles to electing new leadership. All we know is that we won’t pray for any vacuum in the leadership of our community,” the Assembly further stated.

It called on the people to be vigilant and not allow political aides to plant confusion in the community.

“Leadership matters in Mburubu should be handled with transparency, consultation, and respect for due process.

“The Ministry has opened the door for dialogue, and it is only through genuine participation that lasting peace and progress can be achieved,” it said.