By Don Peter Okoro, JP-UN
A former Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at Nnamdi Azikiwe University and eminent Professor of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Prof. Obi Nwosu, has declared that the protest by the Nnewichi Quarter of Nnewi over alleged marginalisation should continue until their grievances are addressed.
Prof. Nwosu made the remarks on Sunday while speaking with journalists after the monthly meeting of the Nnewi Solution Team held at the residence of Chief Gabriel Chukwuma in Nnewi, Anambra State.
Commenting on the decision of the Obi of Nnewichi to withdraw from the meetings of Nzuko Ora, Prof. Nwosu described the move as appropriate and justified.
“I think that is the right thing to do. If you are protesting against something, it is better you continue the protest until the issue is resolved. The action of the Obi of Nnewichi is wonderful and commendable,” he said.
According to him, the Obi of Nnewichi, as the traditional head of one of the four quarters that make up Nnewi, has every right to withdraw from the body if he believes his community is being marginalised.
“The full meaning of Nzuko Ora is Nzuko Ora na Eze. He is the Eze of one of the quarters, and if that quarter is being marginalised, he has every right to protest,” he added.
Addressing concerns that the action could revive agitation for the creation of an autonomous community, Prof. Nwosu dismissed the suggestion, noting that the matter had already been settled by the Supreme Court.
“The issue of autonomous communities has been put to rest by a Supreme Court judgment stopping autonomous communities in Anambra State,” he said.
On the implications of Nnewichi’s withdrawal from Nzuko Ora, Prof. Nwosu maintained that peaceful protests remain a legitimate means of seeking justice.
“In any environment, there will continue to be a struggle until what is right is done. The people of Nnewichi will continue mounting pressure on the governor to better understand the situation. So far, the governor has only heard one side of the story. We must reorganise ourselves and present our own perspective so that he can also hear from us,” he stated.
Reacting to suggestions that the withdrawal could strengthen the influence of a perceived cabal, the Professor disagreed.
“I don’t see it that way because peaceful protest is recognised all over the world. As far as I am concerned, there is no cabal. It is simply an assemblage of people enjoying the benefits of what they worked for. They planned for it over a long period, mobilised support and succeeded in electing one of their own. Naturally, they are enjoying the fruits of their investment,” he said.
Prof. Nwosu also advocated reforms in the process of electing the President-General of Nzuko Ora, arguing that the office should be reserved for individuals with proven records of leadership and enterprise.
“The position of the President-General of Nzuko Ora should no longer be open to just anyone. Anyone seeking the office should be an employer of labour or someone with meaningful accomplishments. That is very important,” he concluded.
Tags: Nnewichi, Nnewi, Prof Obi Nwosu, Nzuko Ora, Anambra State
