Motor Park Revenue Dispute Sparks Tension in Anambra Community

Motor Park

Tensions are rising in the Nkpor area of Idemili North Local Government Area, Anambra State, as fears of violent confrontation grow over control of revenue collection at the Nkpor Central Motor Park.

The unrest stems from allegations that agents of AC Uzoegwu Company Enterprises plan to forcibly displace the personnel of Uzoegwu United Brothers, who currently manage the park.

At the center of the conflict are two brothers—Hon. Afam Uzoegwu and Obinna Uzoegwu alongside Chikeluba Omaliko, a known associate of Obinna. Each faction claims legitimate authority to collect government revenue at the motor park, purportedly on behalf of the Anambra State Government.

The intensifying rivalry has left local residents on edge. Many fear that the long-standing feud between the Uzoegwu brothers could escalate into open conflict. Sources close to the matter suggest the core of the dispute lies in unresolved disagreements over the control and management of the park’s lucrative revenue stream.

Hon. Stanley Nkowka, Chairman of the Idemili North Local Government Area popularly known as Ochendo has reportedly vowed to prevent any state-appointed representatives from entering the park for revenue purposes.

 He argues that, by constitutional mandate, parks and markets fall under the jurisdiction of local governments, not the state.

In a phone interview, Chairman Nkowka reaffirmed his stance, stating that UC Uzoegwu has had a government-sanctioned maintenance agreement for the park for over thirteen years. He questioned the logic of assigning one party to maintain the park while delegating revenue collection to another.

The Chairman also expressed dissatisfaction with the actions of Hon. Afam Uzoegwu, which he claims led to Afam’s arrest by security forces. However, he acknowledged that without direct intervention from the state governor, he feels constrained in addressing what he describes as continued harassment by Hon. Afam.

In response, Hon. Afam Uzoegwu accused the Council Chairman of hiring thugs to vandalize his property in an effort to intimidate him and block his access to the park. During a visit by reporters to Afam’s hotel near Nkpor Central Motor Park and his private school along Nkpor-Umuoji Road, signs of vandalism were evident including shattered windows and damaged vehicles allegedly linked to the ongoing conflict.

Afam argued that Obinna Uzoegwu has monopolized revenue collection at the park for over two decades and asserted that it is now his rightful turn to assume control, citing a family arrangement handed down by their forebears.

When contacted for comment, Obinna Uzoegwu and Chikeluba Omaliko declined to respond, questioning the credibility of the reporter. They criticized what they described as an earlier failure to reach out to their side of the dispute.