By Isaac Ojo
Debate over which of the four quarters that make up the industrial town of Nnewi should produce the next Chairman of Nnewi North LGA has been resolved.
Before the resolution, stakeholders in Nnewi were divided over whether Nnewichi-Nnewi or Umudim-Nnewi should produce the next chairman.
One camp supported the incumbent, Hon. Echezona Anazodo of Umudim-Nnewi. The other camp, led by the Obi of Nnewichi, Obi George Onyekaba, insisted the next chairman must come from Nnewichi-Nnewi.
At the height of the disagreement, the traditional ruler of Nnewi, HRH Igwe Dr. K.O.N. Orizu III, reminded both sides of a rotational arrangement agreed by the four quarters of Nnewi in 1997.
International businessman and President of Gabros Group, Chief Gabriel Chukwuma, aligned with Nnewichi-Nnewi. He was joined by the member representing Nnewi North in the Anambra State House of Assembly, Hon. Augustine Ike, former Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Hon Ezeakukwu Emma Nsoedo, Prof. Obi Nwosu, and others.
On the other side, industrialist, Omekannaya Nnewi, Chief Cletus Ibeto of Ibeto Group, and other stakeholders argued that the incumbent, Hon. Echezona Anazodo, should be allowed a second term to consolidate his achievements in the town.
The disagreement polarized the community, but both sides avoided violence, in keeping with the Nnewi spirit.
At one point, Obi George Onyekaba announced the withdrawal of Nnewichi-Nnewi from Nzuko-Ora Nnewi, the umbrella body for all Nnewi people.
Petitions and counter-petitions were sent to the Anambra State Government House in Awka. However, Governor Charles Soludo reportedly insisted that the community should resolve the matter internally.
Tension rose ahead of the Nnewi Afia-Olu festival, especially with Nnewichi’s withdrawal from Nzuko-Ora.
Relief came when stakeholders reached an agreement to allow Hon. Echezona Anazodo to run for a second term. Under the agreement, Nnewichi will produce his successor after the four-year tenure.
On August 22, the incumbent chairman embarked on a “Thank You” tour of the four quarters of Nnewi.
The over 100-year-old monarch, Igwe Dr. K.O.N. Orizu III, also presided over the peaceful commencement of the annual Afia-Olu festival on August 25.
Currently, stakeholders across political lines have sheath their sword to allow Hon. Echezona Anazodo’s re-election bid. Some chairmanship aspirants from Nnewichi-Nnewi were seen in Anazodo’s campaign train, signaling that there is no lingering rift.
Throughout the process, Nnewi people prioritized the interest of their town, a model other communities in Anambra and beyond can emulate.
Hon. Echezona Anazodo, who has taken his campaign to all four quarters of the one-town LGA, is campaigning on the “Nnewi First” agenda and a promise to take Nnewi North to the next level.
As residents go to the polls on Saturday, August 29, Hon. Echezona Anazodo appears headed for victory.
Nnewi has once again proven the strength of unity among its people.