R-L: Major-General Ude (Rtd) and Col Onyejegbu (Rtd) having a chat during the event
By David Onwuchekwa
The former Commander of Operation Safe Haven, Jos, Major General T.C. Ude (Rtd), has called on the people of Nnewi to close ranks and unite in tackling insecurity and disunity threatening peace and development in the area.
He made the call during the maiden Nnewi People’s Forum (NPF) Summit held on Sunday, October 12, 2025, at the Anaedo Social Club Hall, Nnewi, in Nnewi North Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The event was graced by prominent sons and daughters of Nnewi, including the Crown Prince, Dr Obianaefo Charles Obi Orizu, who represented His Royal Highness, Igwe Dr. Kenneth Orizu III; the Obi of Nnewichi, His Highness Obi Onyekaba (Obidiugwu); the convener of the summit, Chief Barr. Olisa Metuh (Akajiugo Nnewi), represented by Dr. Ikenna; Chairman of the occasion.
Others are Chief Sir Benneth Etiaba; NPF President, Sir Nnamdi Udeaja; Prof. Edwin Chukwuma; Prof. Gregy Obiamalu; former Uruagu PG, Chief Charles Nwonye; candidates for the upcoming November 8 governorship election in Anambra, Chief George Moghalu of the Labour Party; Col. Sir Prof. Geoffrey Okwudili Onyejegbu of the NNPP; and Hon. Dozie Ikedife Jnr., Director-General of the Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu–Uche Ekwunife Campaign Council.
Addressing the audience, the NPF President, Sir Nnamdi Udeaja, described the Forum as a socio-cultural and developmental organization committed to promoting unity, cultural heritage, and sustainable development in Nnewi through collective action, civic engagement, and empowerment.
He emphasized the group’s dedication to peace, responsible leadership, and inclusive progress.
Delivering a keynote address on the theme “Impact of Insecurity and Power Tussle on the Economic Growth of Nnewi — The Commercial Hub of Anambra State,” Major General Ude lamented that disunity, political rivalry, and self-interest had slowed Nnewi’s growth and weakened its industrial base.
He regretted that despite Nnewi’s wealth of professionals and entrepreneurs, the community had yet to produce a democratically elected governor in Anambra State.
“Our inability to speak with one voice and the uncooperative attitude of some leaders have held us back,” he added.
General Ude listed several causes of insecurity in Nnewi, including poor synergy between indigenes and security agencies, infiltration of vigilante groups by unvetted members, lack of profiling of tenants and gatemen, unchecked vehicular movement at night, and erratic power supply by the EEDC.
He stressed that security of lives and property must be a shared responsibility and urged Nnewi indigenes to reject the culture of shielding offenders out of sentiment.
As solutions, he recommended the formation of a reconciliation committee with respected men and women from the four quarters of Nnewi to address lingering autonomy disputes, and a unity conference bringing together politicians, professionals, and industrialists to align on Nnewi’s collective agenda.
He also charged the Mayor of Nnewi North Local Government Area, Hon. Echezona Anazodo, to curb the activities of errant council staff and strengthen collaboration with traditional rulers and security agencies.
“Insecurity weakens the fabric of society,” Ude warned.
“We must clear all hideouts that serve as safe havens for criminals and work together to restore peace, order, and progress in our land, ”he also said.
Other speakers at the summit, including Prof. Gregy Obiamalu; Chief Barr. Olisa Metuh (represented), Obi Onyekaba, and Prof. Edwin Chukwuma, echoed the call for unity and community-driven solutions to Nnewi’s security and developmental challenges.
