The President-General of Nzuko Ora Nnewi, Hon. Prince Jude Osumuoh, has dismissed claims that the 1997 power-sharing agreement among Nnewi’s four quarters provides for a two-year tenure for the office of the Local Government Chairman, describing such assertions as politically motivated and intended to attract sympathy.
Speaking during an interview at the Nzuko Ora Nnewi office on Friday, amid renewed controversy over the tenure of the Mayor of Nnewi North Local Government Area, Osumuoh urged the people of Nnewi to ignore what he described as attempts by “fifth columnists” to create unnecessary tension.
Reacting to reports on social media alleging that Nnewichi Quarter had withdrawn from Nzuko Ora Nnewi and would boycott the forthcoming Afia Olu Nnewi festival, the President-General maintained that the rotational arrangement for the mayorship clearly provides for a four-year tenure, insisting that no community would be denied its rightful turn.
“Every elective tenure in Nnewi is four years. It has not changed,” he said.
“Every quarter knows that elective positions are for a four-year tenure. That is a well-established fact in Nnewi. The document they are circulating is fake. You cannot rely on an unsigned agreement. I cannot work with such documents as President-General.”
Osumuoh called on the Anambra State Government, security agencies, the media, and the general public to disregard the rumours, stressing that Nnewi remains peaceful and stable.
He noted that the tenure issue had long been settled, including through the courts, adding that those reviving the matter were merely seeking to inflame passions for political reasons.
According to him, there is no precedent in Nnewi for a two-year mayoral tenure, insisting that the document being circulated online as the 1997 agreement is merely an unsigned draft and not the authentic, final agreement.
The President-General also dismissed claims by an individual to the position of Traditional Prime Minister of Nnewi, stating that no group could prevent the traditional ruler of Nnewi, Igwe Kenneth Orizu III, from attending the annual Afia Olu festival.
He further absolved the incumbent Mayor of Nnewi North, Hon. Echezona Anazodo, of any involvement in the controversy, explaining that Anazodo’s community, Umudim, requested that he complete what they consider its rightful four-year tenure.
According to Osumuoh, Igwe Kenneth Orizu III supports the government’s position on Anazodo’s candidacy.
“The Igwe cannot be at cross purposes with the government,” he said.
Osumuoh also disclosed that the Secretary of Nzuko Ora Nnewi had been suspended over alleged misconduct.
