By Vincent Ujumadu
The President-General of Nzuko Ora Nnewi, Prince Jude Osumuo, has dismissed reports that Nnewi Ichi, one of the four quarters of Nnewi in Anambra State, is threatening to withdraw from the community’s umbrella body over the tenure of the Mayor of Nnewi North Local Government Area.
Speaking in an interview in Nnewi, Osumuo described the reported threat as unfounded and reiterated that, under the community’s zoning arrangement, elective offices are rotated among the four quarters — Umudim, Uruagu, Nnewi Ichi and Otolo — on a four-year basis.
He explained that the current disagreement followed differing interpretations of the tenure of local government chairmen after the Anambra State House of Assembly approved a two-year tenure for local government chairmen in the first instance.
According to him, as preparations continue for the forthcoming local government elections, some members of Nnewi Ichi have argued that it is their turn to produce the next mayor, while others maintain that the position remains with Umudim under the community’s rotation arrangement.
Osumuo said Nzuko Ora Nnewi recognises a four-year rotational tenure for elective offices within the community and that issues relating to the statutory tenure of local government chairmen are matters for the government to determine.
He said he had assured representatives of Nnewi Ichi that their turn under the zoning arrangement would come after Umudim completed its slot.
The President-General also dismissed the authenticity of a document circulating on social media which reportedly supports a different interpretation of the zoning arrangement.
According to him, the document was unsigned and was not among the official records handed over to him on assumption of office.
He added that consultations with some individuals associated with the document indicated that it was only a draft and not an approved agreement.
On reports that Nnewi Ichi was considering withdrawing from Nzuko Ora Nnewi, Osumuo said he did not believe such a move reflected the position of the quarter, describing the reports as political.
He also dismissed claims that the traditional ruler of Nnewi, Igwe Kenneth Orizu III, would boycott this year’s Afia Olu Festival, saying the monarch had been actively involved in preparations and would perform his traditional role at the event.
Osumuo further said the current Mayor of Nnewi, Hon. Echezona Anazodo, should not be blamed for the disagreement, maintaining that the issue relates to the interpretation of the zoning arrangement rather than the office holder.
He also denied claims that the Secretary of Nzuko Ora Nnewi was suspended because of the tenure dispute, stating that the suspension was based on alleged misconduct.
The differing positions on the zoning arrangement and tenure of the local government chairmanship remain a subject of discussion among stakeholders in the community.
