Abia State to Review Autonomous Communities, Move to Formalise Town Unions

The Abia State Government (ABSG) 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, Uzor Nwachukwu, disclosed this during a statewide meeting with Presidents-General of town unions and community development associations held at the JAAC Secretariat in Umuahia.

According to the commissioner, the exercise is long overdue, noting that the last gazetting of autonomous communities was carried out over a decade ago. He explained that such reviews are expected every 10 years, adding that the state is now working to correct longstanding irregularities.

Nwachukwu highlighted several issues currently affecting community structures, including duplication of autonomous communities, unclear boundaries between villages, and disputes involving traditional rulers. He noted that these inconsistencies have fueled frequent conflicts, with his office receiving numerous petitions weekly.

To address these challenges, the government plans to establish a more transparent and structured system through re-gazetting, alongside the creation of conflict management and mediation centres across local government areas.

In addition, the state government is set to institutionalise town unions and community development associations. This initiative will involve proper documentation and the creation of a statewide database to clearly identify legitimate community leaders and organisations.

The commissioner stressed that the government has no intention of imposing leaders on communities but aims to ensure that leadership selection processes are transparent, lawful, and respected. He also noted that the move would eliminate cases where multiple individuals claim leadership positions within the same community.

Explaining the roles within community governance, Nwachukwu said traditional rulers will continue to serve as custodians of culture and symbols of unity, while Presidents-General and development union leaders will focus on administration and community development efforts.

He emphasised the importance of collaboration between traditional institutions and development unions, noting that both must work together to drive peace, accountability, and sustainable development at the grassroots level.

Also speaking at the event, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, MacDonald Uba, described the meeting as a significant step toward enhancing community security. He urged local leaders to prioritise timely information sharing, stressing that effective security depends on accurate and prompt intelligence.

Other stakeholders, including local government officials and representatives of traditional rulers, pledged support for the initiative, expressing optimism that the reforms would promote unity, peace, and development across communities.

In her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Oge Maduka, described the meeting as the beginning of a new phase in strengthening grassroots governance. She acknowledged the vital role town unions have played over the years while emphasising the need for improved structure, accountability, and alignment with modern governance standards.

Some community leaders who spoke after the meeting commended Governor Alex Otti for initiating the engagement, describing it as unprecedented and impactful. They expressed confidence that the reforms would enhance security, promote peace, and accelerate development across the state.

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The meeting also featured interactive sessions, allowing participants to share concerns and contribute ideas toward improving community governance in Abia State.