By John Okeke
Ahead of the August 29 Anambra State local government election,
the Nnewi Solution Team has expressed optimism that Nnewichi will get what it
described as justice in its demand to produce the next chairman of Nnewi North
Local Government Area.
The group, at its monthly meeting held at the residence of its convener, Chief
Gabriel Chukwuma, President of the Gabros Group, declared its confidence that
its campaign would ultimately succeed.
Chief Chukwuma said many people across the four quarters of Nnewi had embraced
the campaign to ensure that Nnewichi produced the next council chairman, in
line with the rotational arrangement earlier affirmed by K.O.N. Orizu III, the
traditional ruler of Nnewi.
According to him, Igwe Orizu had previously stated that it was Nnewichi's turn
to produce the next chairman of Nnewi North Local Government Area after he was
consulted on the issue.
Speaking further, Chief Chukwuma said the majority of Nnewi residents were not
favourably disposed to what he described as the attempted imposition of the
incumbent council chairman, Mr Echezona Anazodo, by what he alleged was
"less than three percent" of individuals who had constituted
themselves into a cabal.
The Gabros Group president disclosed that he had come under pressure to abandon
the campaign but insisted that there would be no retreat until what he
described as justice was achieved for Nnewichi, which he maintained was
entitled to produce the next council chairman.
He also expressed confidence that Charles Soludo would give the matter fair
consideration, describing the governor as a leader committed to justice and
fairness.
Chief Chukwuma announced that a Justice Committee had been constituted from
within the larger group to fine-tune the team's strategies ahead of the August
29 local government election.
According to him, the committee became necessary because the election date was
drawing closer.
The convener also appealed to Governor Soludo to intervene in the issue of
shops belonging to non-indigenes that had reportedly been marked for demolition
despite the owners having invested substantial amounts in developing the
properties.
He argued that demolishing the shops could send a negative message about
Anambra State, popularly known as the "Light of the Nation."
Chief Chukwuma also recalled how he and other individuals supported former
member of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Hon. Nonso Okafor, in pursuing
his political ambition despite criticism from opponents over his family
background.
He cautioned members of Nnewichi whom he alleged were being persuaded to leave
the Nnewi Solution Team, urging them not to allow themselves to be used against
the interests of their community.
During the meeting, reports emerged that the Obi of Nnewichi, Obi George Onyekaba,
had withdrawn from Nsuko-Ora Nnewi amid the lingering political disagreement.
Reacting to the development, a prominent member of the Nnewi Solution Team, Dr
Obi Nwosu, described the decision as a welcome development, saying it formed
part of the struggle for justice for Nnewichi.
"Protest is allowed in any part of the world. You can leave a group if the
system is not working well. I appeal to Governor Charles Soludo to understand
the Nnewi Solution Team better. He has always been hearing from one side, and
he will do well to listen to us too," he said.
Dr Nwosu, who declined to describe those backing the re-election bid of the
incumbent chairman as a cabal, said they were simply beneficiaries of the
existing political arrangement.
"They planned their move over a long period. They bought many voters who
willingly sold their votes, and in the process one of them was elected. They
invested and rewarded many people," he alleged.
He also expressed optimism that, after the tenure of the incumbent President
General of Nnewi expires, the office would no longer be open to just anyone.
According to him, anyone seeking to become President General should be an
employer of labour.
The meeting, which lasted late into Sunday night, was attended by Chief Emma
Nsoedo, Chief Bennet Ngonadi, Dr James Okoye (Akacham), Hon. Chukwudi Onwudiwe,
Prince Obi Chukwunonso, Rev. Ephraim Epunam, Hon. Augustine Ike and several
other stakeholders, all of whom addressed the large crowd in attendance.
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