Pic: Chief Gabriel Chukwuma (Gabros) and some members of the Solution Team
By David Onwuchekwa
The debate over leadership, equity and the future of Nnewi’s traditional political arrangement took centre stage on Sunday as the Nnewi Solution Team renewed its demand for fairness, justice and strict adherence to the 1997 Nnewi Rotational Agreement.
At its monthly meeting held on July 5, the group maintained that lasting peace and unity in Nnewi can only be achieved when every community is treated fairly and existing agreements are respected.
Convener of the team, Chief Gabriel Chukwuma (Gabros), reaffirmed the group’s commitment to ensuring that Nnewichi receives what he described as its rightful place under the rotational arrangement.
He expressed concern that some members of the community were allegedly compromising the collective interest of Nnewichi, warning against sacrificing the future for immediate personal gain.
According to him, those who accept inducements to betray their community would ultimately leave future generations to bear the consequences of such actions.
The meeting also witnessed strong expressions of support from prominent stakeholders who insisted that the quest for justice should not be abandoned.
Chief Bennett Ngonadi commended the Solution Team for standing with the people of Nnewichi, arguing that recent developments within Nzukora Nnewi had altered the relationship between the organisation and Nnewichi.
He referenced the suspension of the Secretary-General of Nzukora Nnewi, saying the action prompted Obi Nnewichi, Obi Onyekaba, to declare that he too stood suspended alongside the affected official.
Prince Nnoso Obi described the growing awareness among the people of Nnewichi as encouraging, expressing optimism that the community had become more united in pursuing what it considers fairness and equity. He urged the Solution Team to remain steadfast in its advocacy for a better Nnewi.
Several other speakers, including Chief Eugene Nwizugbe (Anyanwuigbo Niile), Member representing Nnewi North Constituency in the Anambra State House of Assembly, Hon. Augustine Ike Ikedoji, Prof. Obi Nwosu, Chief Emma Nsoedo, Chief James Okoye (Akachaam), Obejirinasaa and Mr Chukwudi Onwudiwe, echoed similar sentiments.
They maintained that they would continue to align with the position of the traditional ruler of Nnewi, insisting that the 1997 Rotational Agreement remains binding and should be honoured.
The speakers further argued that Nzukora Nnewi forfeited its moral authority when, according to them, it failed to respect the decision of the Igwe on the contentious issues.
The meeting ended with participants reaffirming their commitment to what they described as the pursuit of justice, equity and peaceful coexistence, expressing hope that dialogue and respect for established agreements would ultimately strengthen unity and stability across Nnewi.
Tags: Nnewi, Nnewichi, Rotational Agreement, Anambra, Traditional Leadership
