By David Onwuchekwa
Over 600 stakeholders from the four quarters of Otolo, Umudim, Uruagu, and Nnewichi in Nnewi have, for the second time, converged at the residence of Chief Gabriel Chukwuma, CEO of Gabros International, to advance their campaign for peace, justice, equity, and fairness in the industrial community.
At the heart of their deliberations was a firm insistence that the next Executive Chairman of Nnewi North Local Government Area should emerge from Nnewichi quarter.
This position, they argued, aligns with the community’s long-standing 1997 rotational agreement among the four quarters. The current chairman, Hon. Echezona Anazodo, hails from Umudim, and concerns were raised over alleged moves for a second tenure, which stakeholders say would violate the established zoning arrangement.
The meeting drew participants from diverse sectors, including academia, commerce, and industry.
Also in attendance was the member representing Nnewi North Constituency in the Anambra State House of Assembly, Hon. Augustine Ikedoji.
In his opening remarks, Chief Chukwuma, who convened the gathering under the theme “Operation Nnewi Must Work,” emphasized that the movement seeks to restore fairness and inclusivity in the community. He explained that both indigenes and non-indigenes must be allowed to live and conduct legitimate businesses without fear or discrimination.
He reaffirmed the group’s loyalty to the traditional ruler of Nnewi, HRH Igwe Kenneth Orizu III, stating that the monarch’s decisions must be respected without exception.
Chief Chukwuma also condemned reported cases of injustice against non-indigenes, particularly in the allocation of market stalls. He added that the era of harassment of people with the police is over.
“We will not fold our arms. We must get it right in Nnewi and pursue this cause to a logical conclusion to restore normalcy,” he said.
Supporting this stance, Professor Obi Nwosu cautioned against any form of injustice toward non-indigenes, noting that Nnewi indigenes also reside and do business in other parts of Nigeria and should expect mutual respect.
Hon. Ikedoji, in his contribution, described the Igwe of Nnewi as a unifying authority whose pronouncements command respect across the community.
He maintained that the gathering was lawful and reflective of the people’s collective will.
Other contributors, including Chief Emma Nsoedo and Chief Eugene Nwizugbe (popularly known as Anyanwu Igbo), echoed similar sentiments, condemning all forms of injustice and urging the community to uphold equity and fairness.
The stakeholders reiterated their commitment to ensuring that Nnewi remains a peaceful and thriving hub where justice prevails and every resident, indigene or non-indigene, has equal opportunity to succeed.
Tags:
Nnewi Politics, Anambra State, Local Government, Traditional Leadership, Community Development, Equity and Justice, Nnewichi, Igwe Kenneth Orizu III, Governance, Nigeria Politics
