Tension rose on Wednesday at the Akwete headquarters of Ukwa East Local Government Area in Abia State after the Head of Personnel Management and Clerk of the Legislative Council, Maxwell Ahukanna, was reportedly attacked by some councillors during a sitting.
Residents said the councillors are divided into two groups. One group supports the Mayor of the council, Chibunna Akara, while the other is aligned with the Labour Party leader in the area and the state Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu.
Witnesses said the disturbance began during the plenary when several councillors confronted the clerk. The incident later turned violent. Some councillors, the clerk and other staff were injured. Parts of the council building and some government items were also damaged during the clash.
Following the attack, members of the National Union of Local Government Employees, NULGE, held a protest at the council headquarters. They demanded the arrest of the councillors involved.
Deputy State President of NULGE, Kenneth Nwasuka, spoke to the protesting workers. He called for stiff penalties against the councillors responsible and praised the workers for remaining calm.
When the council premises were visited later in the day, the entrance was covered with palm fronds and staff members had already vacated the place.
The Mayor, Chibunna Akara, confirmed that the incident took place. He described it as an internal issue and said, “It is an internal matter. It is being resolved.”
Prince Okey Kanu, who leads the Labour Party in the council area, did not respond to calls or messages. However, in a later statement, he urged party members and supporters to remain peaceful. He said leaders in the area are already meeting those involved to find out what led to the incident and to restore peace.
According to his statement, “We have a responsibility to uphold peace, discipline and respect for democratic processes. The Labour Party leadership in Ukwa East is already engaging all parties to restore peace. Stakeholders should not allow temporary disagreements to affect the shared vision for Ukwa East.”