By Emeka Amaefula
IHO DIMEZE TOWN UNION SET FOR ELECTION AS IMO LAW GUIDES PROCESS
The Iho Dimeze Town Union (IDTU) has declared its readiness for the conduct of its general election scheduled for April 4, 2026, with stakeholders emphasizing strict compliance with relevant provisions of Imo State laws and the Union’s constitution.
The electoral process is anchored on the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) and the Imo State Traditional Rulers, Autonomous Communities and Allied Matters Law — originally Law No. 3 of 1999 and subsequently amended in 2016 and 2020 — which provides the legal framework for traditional governance and community affairs across the state.
Legal Backing and Government Oversight
The law empowers the Ministry of Community and Chieftaincy Affairs to regulate and grant clearance for community elections, including that of IDTU. It also establishes a structured system for the recognition of autonomous communities, traditional rulers, and town unions, ensuring harmony between customary practices and statutory governance.
Key provisions of the law stipulate that:
- Each autonomous community must select and present its Eze through established customs for government recognition.
- The recognized Eze serves as custodian of tradition and works closely with the Town Union on development and security matters.
- The law prohibits parallel leadership structures, prescribing penalties for impersonation or unauthorized claims to traditional authority.
Penalties for Impersonation or Parallel Structures:
Once an Eze is officially recognized, anyone who installs or parades himself as another Eze, or performs the functions of the recognized Eze, commits an offence punishable by six months imprisonment or a ₦10,000 fine, or both. This provision also reinforces that unauthorized individuals falsely parading in leadership positions, including as President-General (PG), can be lawfully restrained.
The 2020 amendment further strengthened this framework by abolishing the defunct Community Government Council (CGC) and restoring the central role of town unions, while also lifting the ban on town union elections across the state.
Key Positions and Contest
One of the most keenly contested positions in the forthcoming election is that of President-General of the Iho Dimeze Town Union (IDTU). Among those in the race is Barrister Augustine Njoku, a retired Controller of the Correctional Service, formerly of the Nigeria Prisons Service (NPS).
Other executive positions to be filled include:
- Vice President
- Secretary
- Home Chairman
In accordance with the IDTU Constitution, the position of Legal Adviser is not elective but appointive. As provided under Clause 44, the Legal Adviser shall be appointed by the Iho Dimeze Town Council in consultation with the traditional ruler, Eze Dr. Martin Chieze Amaku (Dimeze II) of the Iho Dimeze Ancient Kingdom.
Application to IDTU Election
In line with these provisions, the Ministry has granted administrative clearance for the IDTU election, ensuring a unified and legally recognized process. The recognized traditional ruler, Eze Dr. Martin Chieze Amaku (Dimeze II), alongside duly acknowledged village chiefs, is expected to play a central role in validating the electoral process.
Authorities have warned that any attempt to introduce unauthorized leadership, manipulate voter lists, or conduct parallel elections will be treated as a violation of the law and may attract sanctions, including intervention by security agencies.
Notice of Election and Call for Compliance
The IDTU, established under its Constitution (2005 as amended), has formally notified all indigenes, stakeholders, and members—both at home and in the diaspora—of the forthcoming election into its executive offices.
The Union emphasized that the exercise will strictly adhere to constitutional provisions, including:
- Section 3: Supremacy of the Constitution
- Section 5: Membership and civic responsibilities
- Section 7: Establishment and powers of the Executive
- Section 9: Electoral procedures
- Section 12: Tenure of office
- Section 15: Dispute resolution and sanctions
Members are therefore urged to:
- Participate fully in the electoral process;
- Comply with all guidelines issued by the Electoral Committee;
- Maintain peace, order, and discipline throughout the exercise;
- Avoid involvement in any unauthorized or parallel processes.
Commitment to Peaceful Process
The Union reiterated that any action or decision taken outside the framework of its constitution will be considered null and void. It stressed that the success of the election depends on collective responsibility, unity, and adherence to due process.
Describing the election as a defining moment, IDTU called on all stakeholders to support a process that is free, fair, credible, and transparent, in the overall interest of peace, unity, and sustainable development of the Iho Dimeze Autonomous Community.
All members are accordingly advised to be guided and remain law-abiding.
——-Emeka Amaefula —–+234(0)8111813069—-
