Tension is mounting in Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area after the chairman was accused of sidelining key stakeholders while attending the commissioning of a Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) office accompanied only by his wife.

Community leaders and political stakeholders have expressed strong displeasure over what they described as exclusion from a significant public event within the local government. Many argue that developments of such magnitude require broader consultation and collective participation, not a restricted appearance.

The controversy is further deepened by the fact that the NSCDC office was originally a Skill Acquisition Centre built by Hon. Mrs. Stella Ngwu. The facility had been established to provide vocational training and economic empowerment opportunities for youths and women in the area.

Residents say the centre symbolised hope for job creation and self-reliance, particularly at a time when unemployment remains a pressing challenge. Its conversion into a security office has sparked debate, with some questioning whether adequate consideration was given to the long-term impact on beneficiaries.

While supporters of the chairman maintain that strengthening security infrastructure is vital for development, critics insist that empowerment initiatives should not be quietly replaced without transparency or stakeholder engagement.

As reactions continue to pour in, calls are growing for clearer communication from the local government on the future of skills training programmes in Igbo-Etiti and whether plans exist to replace the converted facility.