- Demand for transparent management of oil revenue by community leadership.
- Call for government intervention and forensic review of funds.
The Imo community oil revenue accountability issue has gained attention as Achi Mbieri residents in Mbaitoli LGA call for transparency. The Achi Stakeholders Forum organised a news briefing in Owerri on Sunday, January 11, 2026, to highlight concerns. Residents allege mismanagement of funds paid by Seplat Energy, the oil exploration company operating in their area.
The group claimed that the community’s president-general, Victor Iwuagwu, distributed oil revenue to villages without oversight from the executive council. The financial secretary, Richard Durunna, denied involvement in the disbursement during a meeting on Saturday. He added that Iwuagwu had “unilaterally run the affairs of the community without input from other executive members, including myself.”
Following the meeting, stakeholders and community members issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the president-general. They demanded that he convene an emergency meeting to explain his handling of the funds. Durunna stated, “I only learned Seplat Energy paid us when villages reported receiving money. The sharing formula reportedly followed instructions from his late mother in a dream. I find this disturbing and call for accountability to set the record straight.”
Another forum member, Charles Opara, described oil discovery in the community as a “supposed blessing rather than a reason for chaos.” He urged Iwuagwu to stop personalising oil revenue and provide a clear account of his stewardship.
Traditional Prime Minister Nzeh Adolphus Nnadi requested the Imo government’s intervention. He suggested a forensic investigation by a panel of inquiry to restore transparency. Youth leader Chigazu Ohamadike called for calm and peaceful resolution of disputes to prevent further community tension.
Mr Iwuagwu was unavailable for comment at the time of reporting. The residents’ call underscores the urgent need for Imo community oil revenue accountability and transparent management of natural resource wealth. Community members emphasise that proper oversight will strengthen trust and ensure oil revenue benefits all stakeholders.