CALL FOR JUSTICE, FAIRNESS, AND THE PRESERVATION OF NNEWI’S ESTABLISHED ROTATIONAL GOVERNANCE PRINCIPLE, AGAINST UNSCRUPULOUS ELEMENTS AND UNFIT LGA POLITICAL LEADERS
Rev. Dr. Austin Ifeanyichukwu Epunam (JP), President and Founder of Sweet Home Africa Foundation, has expressed deep concern over recent political developments in Nnewi, warning against actions capable of disrupting the long-standing peace, unity, and political stability of the community.
Speaking on April 4, 2026, at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa Abuja, following the submission of a formal petition to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR), Rev. Dr. Epunam reaffirmed that his intervention is driven solely by principles of justice, equity, and community development not personal political ambition.
“I am not a politician, nor do I seek political office. I do not belong to any political party. My commitment remains firmly rooted in truth, justice, and the advancement of peace through humanitarian service,” he stated.
Rev. Dr. Epunam noted that his years of service under three former Nigerian Presidents through the State House Chaplaincy have strengthened his dedication to national unity, responsible leadership, and institutional integrity.
He expressed concern over what he described as deliberate attempts by certain political interests to weaken Nnewi’s revered traditional institutions and undermine the 1997 rotational governance agreement, a framework he said has remained instrumental in preserving fairness, inclusiveness, and peaceful coexistence within the community.
According to him, any attempt to distort or abandon this long-standing arrangement could generate unnecessary political tension and undermine the mutual trust built over the years among the people of Nnewi.
He announced that Sweet Home Africa Foundation (SHAHF) in collaboration with Nnewi Concerned Citizens (NCC), remains committed to defending justice, protecting democratic fairness, and preserving the historical governance principles that have sustained peace in the community.
Rev. Dr. Epunam also paid tribute to HRM Igwe Kenneth Onyeneke Orizu III, describing him as one of Africa’s most respected and longest-serving monarchs whose leadership has significantly contributed to the growth, peace, and global recognition of Nnewi, Anambra state and Southeast as a whole.
He noted that during the monarch’s 100th birthday celebration and 62nd anniversary on the throne in December 2025, Sweet Home Africa Foundation demonstrated its support through the production of over 200 copies of a special 52-page commemorative publication titled:
“ HRM Igwe K.O.N Orizu III @ 100 Years and 62 Years on the Throne.”
He further disclosed that copies of the publication were distributed to senior government officials, members of the First Family, and other distinguished national stakeholders.
Rev. Dr. Epunam therefore called on His Excellency Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo CFR to act swiftly in the interest of justice, fairness, and democratic balance by ensuring that Nnewi is accorded its rightful turn in line with the established rotational arrangement ahead of the August 2026 Local Government elections in Anambra State.
He emphasized that preserving justice today remains essential to protecting peace tomorrow.
“Home Sweet Home Nnewi.”
CC/ GOVERNOR ANAMBRA STATE
CC/ IGP OLATUNJI DISU
CC/ AGF MINISTER OF JUSTICE
CC/ NSA
Signed:
Rev Dr.Austin Ifeanyi Epunam (JP)
(Atu-Nnewi) President/Founder, Sweet Home Africa Foundation
08033076759