Ogona Anita
Relief International Africa note with dismay misinformation being peddled in some section of the media and social media that Miss Ogadinma Uchechi Minnie who was allegedly assaulted by the brother to Eugene Chita Epelle Chairman of Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State was forced to attend a meeting geared towards peaceful resolution of the matter.
We categorically state that Miss Ogadinma Uchechi consented to the peaceful resolution of the issue contrary to speculations that Relief International Africa and Civil Society coalition coerced her to resolve the issue with the Ahoada West Chairman amicably.
For the records The coalition of civil society led by me Comr. Green Isaac, Executive Director of the Relief International Africa and Coordinator of Relief Human Rights Clinic, led her to several, Stakeholders like FIDA and National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and represented her on radio and TV stations at no monetary cost to her but from the collective contributions of comrades. God willing, the news got the attention we had hoped for.
Through the aid of an intermediary a negotiation meeting was scheduled between Miss Ogadinma, her representatives and the Ahoada West Local Government Council Chairman. This, Miss Ogadinma agreed to from the onset. The meeting was fixed for 10:00am today Friday March 6 2023.
The Chairman of Ahoada West LG Council and his team were present for the meeting. Members of the civil society coalition alongside Miss. Ogadinma Minnie Uchechi were also present. During the said meeting, the Chairman of Council explained that Miss Ogadinma is his younger sister as they were all members of the same family. He further stated that she is still under his employ and that he has not sacked her. The meeting was largely successful as the terms presented before the Chairman was accepted by him and Miss. Ogadinma.
Please Note that; before the meeting, the Coalition who have always acted as representatives of Miss Ogadinma met with her and asked what her demands were, which was written down and presented to the Chairman.
However, when it came to monetary compensation, the house decided not to impose or influence any amount but allowed Miss Ogadinma Minnie Uchechi and the Chairman to discuss privately and agree on a reasonable amount. After which we reconvened and agreed to end hostilities.
The following terms were agreed;
- The school will be renovated and the Chairman must do everything possible to see it done without reckoning on whose responsibility it is to renovate schools.
- The Chairman must see that no further harm befalls Miss Ogadinma Minnie Uchechi and that his supporters must be called to order. He further agreed to call for a general meeting in his village to address the issue as they are from the same village and are members of the same family.
- A monetary compensation should be given to Miss. Ogadinma Minnie Uchechi for her medical bills and other losses encountered as a result of this matter.
- The Chairman further accepted to continue to keep her in the staff payroll despite what misunderstanding they may have had.
- Chairman also, accepted our terms to rent an apartment for her in Portharcourt in the face of turmoil in the village and LGA.
After the meeting, an agreement was written for parties to sign. Miss Ogadinma wrote her account details on a sheet of paper and gave to the Chairman for the said compensation to be paid as agreed between herself and the Chairman. A few minutes later, Miss Ogadinma received a call, she excused herself from the meeting and never came back. What was shocking is that she never at any point expressed dissatisfaction or expressed discomfort during the meeting, not even after she was left with the chairman alone to talk terms contrary to her statement that she was uncomfortable in the course of the meeting and never consented to peaceful resolution of the matter.
Several calls was placed to her but she kept rejecting them. Messages were sent to her and she never replied.
One will ask, if Miss Ogadinma was actually interested in Justice, are the above conditions given and accepted by the chairman not justice for her?
In the light of the above, after due consultation with other members of the coalition, We have decided, it is time to opt out of this particular matter.
Relief International Africa as well as the Coalition of Civil Society on Human Rights remains committed to protecting the rights of the oppressed in the society. Our office is open 24/7 for all types of mediation. reliefinternationalafrica1@gmail.com
Signed:
Comr. .Green Isaac,
Executive Director,
Relief International Africa
