Imo LG Polls: Governor’s ally, Paul Unawunwa under police investigation

By Sunday Ogbodo, Owerri

A close ally of Imo State Governor, Achike Udenwa, Mr Paul Unawunwa, is under investigation by the police after he was accused of disrupting polls during the March 27, 2004 local government election in the state.

It could be recalled that election violence was reported in Owerri-West local government area of Imo State.

It was alleged that Mr Paul Unawunwa caused a stir during the local government chairmanship election held in Owerri-West local government area of Imo state on Saturday, 27th March, 2004.

A source claimed that he was spotted leading thugs who disrupted the electoral process and carted away ballot boxes and ballot papers.

One person was reported dead with several others injured in the confusion that ensued as a result of the action.

When contacted about the incident, the police responded that they have received the report and that investigation was ongoing.

Responding to an enquiry from our correspondent, the police command said, “We are in receipt of report that one Paul Unawunwa, male, orchestrated violence during the Saturday, March 27, 2004 local government election in Owerri-West Imo State.

“An investigation team has been set up to investigate the suspect and any other person involved in the violence that occurred in Owerri West local government area on the election day.”

Governor Owelle Rochas Okorocha coronates Paul Unawunwa as Royal Highness of Okuku

Mr Paul Unawunwa has been crowned as the Eze of Okuku Autonomous Community.

The governor of Imo state, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, has crowned and installed his personal friend and political associate, Paul Unawunwa, as the Eze Udo II of Okuku autonomous community in Owerri-West local government area of Imo state.

The coronation was held in June, 2013. The staff of office and letter of recognition have also been given, bestowing on him the status of His Royal Highness (HRH)

This shows the power play in Nigerian politics. A man was pencilled down for investigation in 2004 for alleged involvement in electoral violence. About nine years later, in 2013, he was crowned as His Royal Highness and king/Eze of an autonomous community.

One of the reasons politics has become one of the most lucrative endeavors and a very strong source of power in Nigeria where people can describe politics as a profession.