By Our Reporter, Warri
In a recent development in the Afiesere community, a rift has emerged between the community members and Mr. Julius Akpovaka, who have been accused of spreading false information and disrupting the peace in the area.
In light of these developments, the Afiesere community has made a collective decision regarding Mr. Akpovaka’s status within the community. While urging him to return to his place of origin, they have reiterated that peaceful coexistence is possible for those who choose to reside in Afiesere. However, they have made it clear that individuals who disrupt the peace and harmony of the community will not be tolerated in their midst.
The community members have come forward to denounce the actions of Mr. Julius Akpovoka, labeling him as a troublemaker who does not belong to the community.
The community came to this resolution after an emergency town hall meeting held on Thursday 11 July 2024.
Richard Aduvie, President General of Afiesere community who spoke to newsmen immediately after the emergency meeting said that Julius Akpovaka has been causing unrest by making baseless accusations and stirring up conflicts within the community.
He said that Mr. Akpovaka recently took to the airwaves to grant a press interview where he allegedly made unfounded claims against the community leadership, which the Afiesere people vehemently deny.
The community leader asserts that the community has always been welcoming to strangers and have a history of working harmoniously with outsiders. However, they accuse Mr. Akpovaka of disrupting this harmony with his actions.
The community’s executive members reveal that contrary to Akpovaka’s allegations, they had been planning a press conference for the past six months, adding that despite Akpovaka’s attempts to interfere with their plans, they proceeded with the conference as scheduled, drawing a large turnout from the community.
“We don’t want problem. That is the reason why we came together today to say enough is enough. Now they should go back to where they come from, which is very close to us here, Ovwiamuge. I did not even know they are Agbarho people. It is our elders man that made us to know today that Julius Akpovaka and his brothers are from Ovwiamuge. So we are urging them to go back to where they came from,” Aduvie said.
Aduvie added that while the community is open to peaceful cohabitation with individuals from the Akpovaka family, he emphasized that any disruptive behavior will not be tolerated. He maintained that their primary goal is to maintain peace and unity within the community.
Furthermore, he said that Mr. Akpovaka’s petition to the Ughelli Police Area Command alleging ulterior motives behind the community’s planned election has been dismissed by the community leaders as false and misleading. He denied any plans to manipulate the election process and assert that they are committed to conducting a fair and transparent election.
Aduvie said the Afiesere community stands firm in their stance against disruptive behavior and calls for harmony and cooperation among its members. They urge Mr. Akpovaka and his family to respect the community’s values or peacefully depart if unable to do so.
Other community leaders who spoke to newsmen said the community’s commitment to upholding its values of peace, unity, and adherence to its constitution remains unwavering as they strive to maintain a harmonious environment for all residents and uphold the principles that guide their governance.
