…Cites Anti-Development Stance
From Ogba O. Ogb
UGHELLI – Comrade Wisdom Igbogidi, President General of the Inene community, has firmly asserted that the banishment of Comrade Victor Panama, the former youth chairman, is final and non-negotiable. Igbogidi described Panama as unrepentant and a hindrance to the community’s development.
Addressing journalists, Igbogidi criticized Panama’s refusal to heed the advice of community elders and leaders regarding the collection of land fees, known locally as ‘Deve.’ This defiance, he stated, led to Panama’s ousting.
The community leader detailed that Panama’s actions, including his petition against the community to the Ughelli Police Area Command and the Delta State Commissioner of Police, were deemed disruptive and contrary to the community’s constitution.
Igbogidi warned that Panama’s behavior could have escalated into chaos if left unchecked.
Since Panama’s removal, Igbogidi noted a marked improvement in community peace, with investors and developers now able to operate without fear of intimidation.
The former youth chairman was reportedly involved in extorting ‘Deve’ from those seeking to develop property in Inene.
“The actions of the ousted youth chairman were erratic and detrimental to the community’s constitution. If left unchecked, they could have led to chaos in the peace-loving Inene community.
“Since his removal, the community has experienced relative peace, with investors and outsiders now able to build and invest without fear of harassment from the former youth chairman and his associates.
“He had employed hoodlums to extort ‘deve’ from developers and homeowners, but with his departure, peace has returned to the community,” Igbogidi said.
Igbogidi urged the newly appointed youth chairman, Mr. Efe Olobia, to collaborate closely with the central executive members and community elders to ensure successful leadership and continued community harmony.
Igbogidi thanked the Nigerian police and the monarch of the great Ughelli kingdom, HRM (Prof.) Wilson Ojakovo Oharisi III and President General Ughelli Descendant Union (UDU) for their unwavering love and support to ensure peace reigns in the Inene Community.
Earlier, the elders of the community said the banishment of the ousted youth chairman is sacrosanct and irreversible.
