Wide jubilation in Mpam as LG Chairman makes up with community, recognises PG Tony Odom

 

Maureen Aguta

 

There have been wide jubilation and celebration across Mpam Autonomous Community of Ahiazu Mbaise Local Government Area (LGA) since last week over the report that the community’s elected President General, Comrade Anthony Odom, has been recognised by the Executive Chairman of Ahaizu Mbaise LGA, Chief Larry Chikwe.

Recall that since his election on December 26, 2024, Comrade Odom had been distracted from effectively performing his duties as the president general of the community because of reported nefarious activities of some alleged misguided elements in the community who reportedly falsely presented themselves to the LG Chairman as the rightly elected executives of Mpam Progressive Union (MPU). This came as the community was displeased with the LG boss for accommodating the alleged pretenders/impostors.

The community’s anger against the LG Chairman over the matter got to a head a couple of weeks ago, when the community started mobilizing to take a protest to the Government House in Owerri, the state capital to report their grievances to the Executive Governor of Imo State, His Excellency Senator Hope Uzodinma.

However, sources close to the leaders of Mpam told Advocacy Times that the proposed protest was called off at the instance of the LG Chairman who played his fatherly role by calling the PG and some leaders of the community to a meeting.

That meeting Advocacy Times can authoritatively report culminated in the Tuesday, June 17, 2025, formal presentation of the president general, Comrade Anthony Odom, his executives and the president generals of the four villages in Mpam, to the LG Executive Chairman, in his office at the Local Government headquarters, Afor Oru.

Traditional Ruler of Mpam Autonomous Community, HRH Eze Leonard Ogbata, the Onugotu 11 of Mpam Ancient Kingdom was the father of the day during the presentation ceremony, which was conducted by the out-going president general, Hon Charles Ogbata.

Prominent sons of the community who witnessed the presentation were the Councilor representing Mpam Ward in the Ahiazu Mbaise Legislature, Hon. Nnabueze Okadike, the Women Leader of Mpam, the Youth Leader of Mpam, Mr Onyekachi Ogbuokiri; red cap chiefs, among which was Chief Marshal Chinaka.

Speaking shortly after the presentation, the LG Chairman admonished Comrade Odom to rule his people with equity, “do what will attract development to the community, ensure that there is unity in the community and above all protect government assets in the community.”

In his message to the people to herald the new dawn, Comrade Odom congratulated the people for standing firm to ensure the realization of their collective decision on December 26, 2924.

The message reads in part: “Congratulations! It is a new dawn for our beloved community. The collective decision of ndi Mpam made on the 26th of December 2024 has come to stand. We have emerged stronger and more united than ever, ready to champion the cause of Mpam’s unity, peace, progress and development.

“While we acknowledge that there may be some among us who are misguided, we take solace in the nd prosperous Mpam.

“Security is a top priority in this administration, and we will not compromise on it. Let me be clear: the era of burglary, theft, and other social vices that have hindered Mpam’s progress is now behind us.

“I urge all parents and guardians to counsel their children and wards against engaging in any activity that could destabilize our community. Specifically, we must advise them against robbery, kidnapping, burglary, drug abuse, and other illicit activities.

“This administration has zero tolerance for such behavior, and we will work tirelessly to maintain law and order in Mpam”.

Comrade Odom further assured that his paramount focus would be on the unity, peace and progress of Mpam. “It is on this foundation of peace and unity that I extend an olive branch to all my brothers who participated in the PG election.

“Let us put aside our differences and work together towards a common goal: making Mpam a great and safe community for all. I beckon on everyone to join hands in promoting peace, unity, and development in Mpam.

“Together, we can achieve greatness and create a brighter future for ourselves, our children, and generations to come. Let us unite and work towards a prosperous Mpam,” he said.

Meanwhile, the elders of the community have expressed their full support for the PG’s plan to confront head on the security challenge in the community with the view to warding off theft, burglary and every other form criminality in the community.

They further charged him to ensure that the Primary Health-Care Center in Eke-Mpam and all other government assets in the community are adequately safeguarded from encroachers, burglary and land grabbers.