OGBARU—RESIDENTS of Okpoko community in Anambra State yesterday  stormed Awka, the State capital in two groups over allegations of manipulation of community election.

One of the groups claimed they were on solidarity visit to the state government for the peaceful conduct of the said election, while the other group alleged that the election was manipulated.

In a reaction, a member representing Ogbaru 1 constituency in Anambra State House of Assembly, Mr Benson Nwawulu, dismissed the allegations that the election was manipulated.

He noted that the election into the position of President-General of the community was free, fair and credible.

Nwawulu spoke when he received hundreds of residents of the area, led by a claimant to the position of President-General, Mr Francis Enemuo, who came to show solidarity at the Anambra State House of Assembly complex, Awka.

He said the community in the last 11 years was administered by a handpicked caretaker committee that he described as ‘undemocratic’.

Nwawulu added that the officials of the ministry of Local Government and Town Union Matters were present to monitor the exercise and adjudged it to be free and fair.

“The election that produced Mr Enemuo and his executive was conducted based on an order by a state high court.

“If anybody is aggrieved at the outcome of the election, he should go to court to seek redress,” Nwawulu added.

Earlier, Mr Enemuo commended Gov. Willie Obiano for the “excellent performance” of his administration in the state and Okpoko community at large.

“We are pleased with your administration, especially in breaking the chains of undesirable caretaker committees in Okpoko community development Union by allowing us to choose our executive at an election.”