APC Ward Chairman Arrested For Allegedly Selling Federal Palliatives In Imo

By: Abdulwasiu Akintunde 

The Ward Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ejemekwuru, Oguta Local Government Area of Imo State, Dominic Ikpeama, has come under police scrutiny after being accused of illegally selling Federal Government palliatives intended for the local community.

Ikpeama's arrest followed a formal complaint lodged by the traditional ruler of Ejemekwuru, HRH Eze Hypolite Obinna Duru.

OPEN TELEVISION Naija (OTN) News gathered according to the monarch, the politician allegedly sold 20 bags of corn and five bags of garri, which had been allocated for the community's welfare.

Eze Duru expressed his concerns, suggesting that Ikpeama's actions were a deliberate attempt to undermine the efforts of both the Federal and State Governments to provide relief to the people during these challenging times.

Eze Duru explained that after discovering the incident, he promptly informed the police, which led to the APC official's arrest and detention at the Oguta Police Division on Wednesday, August 21.

The traditional ruler further condemned Ikpeama’s behavior, stating that the entire community was displeased with the politician for diverting the aid packages for his personal gain.

When contacted for his response, Ikpeama refuted the accusations. He claimed that instead of distributing the palliatives to all 23 villages in the community, he prioritized five villages due to the limited supplies. 

He also denied being formally arrested, asserting that he had only been invited by the police to resolve the conflict with the community.

The issue of palliative diversion has become a recurring problem in many communities, with numerous reports of officials tasked with distribution taking advantage of their positions. 

Ikpeama, in particular, was accused of using his past role in the Town Union Government to allegedly misappropriate the palliatives.