From Theo James
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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