From Ifeoma Ejiofor
As leadership and political tensions persist in Nnewi, Barr. Oseloka Osuigwe (SAN) has insisted that peace and unity can only be achieved when equity, fair play, and justice are enthroned in the community.
Barr. Osuigwe warned that those in leadership positions must stop playing politics with Nnewi’s leadership system.
The legal luminary, a former Legal Adviser to Nzukora Nnewi and Principal Solicitor at Oseloka & Co, lamented that some people in various leadership positions in Nnewi are currently using their offices and connections for selfish interests.
He stated emphatically that this disposition has entrenched ego, godfatherism, and a politics of power and dominance, which he noted have contributed to the present leadership and political crisis in the industrial town.
Barr. Osuigwe said he has always been involved in issues concerning Nnewi and therefore has the capacity to state unequivocally that the town was built on collective decision-making and the inclusiveness of all four quarters.
He explained that the community has never operated on the philosophy of “majority carries the vote.” He noted that whenever issues of common interest arise, the three Obis and Igwe Dr. K.O.N. Orizu III, alongside the royal cabinet, sit together to discuss and resolve matters amicably.
He regretted that the commercial town has been reduced to a theatre of power tussles, intimidation, and godfatherism, adding that some people in power are unwilling to leave office to allow others to serve.
Dikenamuta Nnewi recalled that the four quarters came together in 1999 and agreed on a rotational arrangement aimed at fostering peace and unity in the town.
He said it would only be logical for the four quarters to meet again if there is any need to amend the agreement to suit the present political realities. He added that no individual or quarter should be sidelined, especially now that the town has practiced the rotational arrangement for years and understands its advantages and disadvantages.
When asked about the way forward for Nnewi, the legal luminary said officers of Nzukora Nnewi who are currently holding political offices should withdraw from such posts and focus on their community duties.
He also stressed the need for the Nnewi traditional institution to be accorded the respect it deserves, and that whatever is due to any of the four quarters should be given to that quarter without delay.
“If there is any reason for denying any quarter what rightly belongs to it, then there must be discussions and negotiations with the affected quarter on the reasons for such a decision. I am in full support of the age-long Nnewi political office rotational arrangement,” he said.
Barr. Osuigwe insisted that Nnewichi community’s decision to withdraw from this year’s Afiaolu Nnewi celebrations should be seen as a protest against the way things are being done at Nzukora Nnewi. He added that the decision to boycott the festival does not prevent individuals from the community from participating.
Dikenamuta Nnewi called on all and sundry to remain steadfast. He expressed optimism that the burning issues would be addressed and Nnewi would once again be united. He urged the people to continue to stand by truth, justice, fairness, and respect for all.