ABIA GOVT TO REVIEW AUTONOMOUS COMMUNITIES, FORMALISE TOWN UNIONS

The Abia State Government has announced plans to review and re-gazette autonomous communities across the state as part of efforts to restore order, reduce conflicts, and strengthen grassroots governance.

The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Prince Uzor Nwachukwu, disclosed this during a statewide meeting of Presidents General of town and development unions held in Umuahia.

He explained that the exercise is long overdue, noting that the last gazetting was done over a decade ago. According to him, several irregularities currently exist, including cases where a single village is split into multiple autonomous communities or where families and kindreds are placed under different traditional authorities, leading to disputes.

Prince Nwachukwu said the government receives numerous petitions weekly over such conflicts, stressing that the planned re-gazetting will help address these issues and promote peace across communities.

The Commissioner also revealed plans to institutionalise town and development unions by creating a comprehensive database of their leadership structures. He said this would eliminate confusion, ensure proper documentation, and prevent leadership disputes within communities.

He clarified that the government has no interest in imposing leaders but will ensure that due process is followed in selecting credible individuals. He added that while traditional rulers serve as custodians of culture and symbols of authority, town union leaders are responsible for administration and development, stressing the need for cooperation between both groups.

Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, Navy Commander MacDonald Uba (rtd.), called for stronger collaboration and timely information sharing to enhance security at the grassroots.

Community leaders at the meeting commended the initiative, describing it as a major step towards improving peace, unity, and development in Abia State.