On November 26, 2025, staff in Ukwa East Local Government Area, Abia State, staged a protest over the alleged assault and beating of the Council’s Clerk and Head of Personnel Management, Mr. Maxwell Ahukan. They demanded justice and the quick arrest of the involved Councillors.
Hopealivemedia.com.ng reports that the incident happened when a group of Councillors, allegedly loyal to the Honourable Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, entered the council secretariat and attacked the Clerk and the Majority Leader, Hon. Obinna Ukaegbu. The attack led to the destruction of government property in the council.
Sources indicate that the crisis originated from a leadership dispute between Councillors loyal to Prince Okey Kanu and those supporting the Mayor of the Council, Hon. Chibunna Akara. The conflict intensified during the 2026 fiscal year’s budget presentation when some Councillors demanded one million naira (#1,000.000) each from the Mayor before approving the budget. This demand sparked violence, resulting in damage to government property, injuries to council staff, and an attempt to impeach the legislative leader.
The protesting workers voiced their displeasure over the unprovoked attack on Mr. Maxwell Ahukanna and the council’s leadership. They called for the immediate suspension of the involved Councillors and for proper training in civil service rules to prevent future misconduct and shameful conduct. The protest leaders urged staff to refrain from taking the law into their own hands and to allow the Local Government Council and NULGE to handle the situation.
At the time of this report, the situation remains tense and unstable in Ukwa East. Leaders are calling for calm and stability, assuring the public that they will address the leadership issues and ensure the safety of council staff.
