LRecent developments surrounding the leadership dispute within the Enugu chapter of the City Boy Movement have continued to attract attention across the South East. Many observers are worried that if the situation is not handled carefully, it could create avoidable tension and deepen divisions within the region.
At the centre of the issue is the reported attempt to introduce a parallel woman leader in Enugu State despite the earlier appointment of Ambassador Mrs. Amaka Nweke by the national leadership of the movement.
The Southeast Resilience and Support Group (SERSuG) considers this development troubling. When a nationally recognized appointment is set aside through local manoeuvres, it weakens discipline within the organization and risks creating unnecessary conflict among members.
Ambassador Amaka Nweke was duly appointed Woman Leader for the Enugu chapter by the national leadership of the Movement. That decision was widely accepted by members who are familiar with her long record in grassroots mobilization, women advocacy and political organization within the State.
Beyond politics, she is also widely respected for her involvement in community development and civic engagement in Enugu, where she has lived and worked for more than three decades.
The move to introduce another woman leader within the same structure raises legitimate concerns about vested interests and internal power struggles.
Strong political organizations survive on respect for process, structure and the authority of their national leadership. Attempts to override legitimate appointments for personal or factional reasons can weaken credibility and damage unity within the movement.
Creating a parallel leadership where a legitimate structure already exists sends the wrong signal. It may also create perceptions of favouritism, exclusion or political manipulation.
Enugu State holds a special place in the political and cultural life of the South East. For decades it has served as a home for Ndi Igbo and other Nigerians from Anambra, Imo, Abia, Ebonyi, Delta, Rivers, Edo, Benue and Kogi who live and work there.
Because of this diversity, political actors operating in the State must remain mindful of actions that could create unnecessary friction among Communities that have historically coexisted peacefully.
The South East has often spoken with one voice about marginalization within the Nigerian federation. Yet history shows that internal divisions sometimes weaken that collective voice.
The late writer and public thinker Chinua Achebe once warned that Nigeria’s biggest challenge was the failure of responsible leadership. Those words remain relevant whenever political actors place factional interests above fairness and institutional order.
In the same spirit, historian Kenneth Dike often reminded us that the republican nature of Igbo society demands respect for process, discipline and shared responsibility in leadership.
When internal rivalries overshadow these values, the damage goes beyond political organizations and begins to affect the wider unity of the Igbo nation.
It is for this reason that SERSuG is calling on the apex Igbo socio cultural body, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, as well as respected Igbo elders and opinion leaders, to pay attention to the situation and help prevent it from escalating.
We also appeal to the Governor of Enugu State, Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, alongside other South East Governors, to quietly encourage dialogue among the relevant stakeholders so that the matter can be resolved peacefully and fairly.
The Enugu State Government has built a reputation for stability and inclusive governance. Internal disputes within political support groups should not be allowed to undermine that atmosphere.
At the national level, attention has also turned to the ruling All Progressives Congress. As the Party in power at the federal level, many believe it has a responsibility to ensure that support groups operating around its political structures maintain discipline and respect established processes.
Political movements that allow internal disputes to grow unchecked often weaken themselves at critical moments. Respect for legitimate appointments and institutional order is essential if unity and credibility are to be preserved.
For Ndi Igbo, the lesson is simple. A people who demand fairness and justice within the Nigerian federation must also demonstrate those same values among themselves.
Unity has always been one of the greatest strengths of the Igbo nation. When internal rivalries and narrow interests begin to dominate, that strength becomes weakened.
The situation in Enugu therefore calls for restraint, maturity and respect for due process. The nationally recognized appointment should be respected, Organizational discipline preserved, and any attempt to create parallel leadership structures discouraged.
At a time when the South East should be strengthening its political voice and advancing development across the region, avoidable disputes only distract from the larger goal.
Ndi Igbo must close ranks, respect one another and remain united.
Only through fairness, discipline and collective responsibility can the region maintain the solidarity needed to play its rightful role in Nigeria’s political future.
Prince Chris Azor
Coordinator, Southeast Resilience and Support Group (SERSuG)
