Nnewi Political Summit: The Agenda and Controversies.

By Ebube Brown

After the Nnewi crisis of 1986-1995, Ndi Nnewi are yet to come to a roundtable to discuss the political and economic future of the town. The giant strides the town has made in terms of commerce and industry are basically through individual efforts with little or no assistance coming from the government or the leadership of the town. This individualistic style has not helped the town politically, as Nnewi has continued to suffer over the years – especially when it comes to having a collective stand and clear political direction. Despite being the second most populous town in Anambra state, the people of Nnewi have not been able to use their strength to bargain or negotiate for political offices.
Since the advent of democracy in Anambra State, Nnewi has continued to be in the opposition, as all the Governorship candidates they have supported have lost the election, except recently when they contributed to the flawless victory (popularly referred to as of 21/21) of Governor Willie Obiano. The town has no political direction especially in having a political programme for the town.

The need for Ndi Nnewi to come together under one umbrella to discuss her affairs, gains, losses and the way forward is of great importance, especially now that the 2019 general election is near, together with the forthcoming 2022 governorship election. Issues like the rotation formula in Nnewi, the performance of our elected representatives, the need for more political wards in Nnewi, the state of infrastructures especially roads, the need for more state constituencies in Nnewi and the possibility of another local government in Nnewi, the banning of Motorcycles, the future of the Nnewi economy, the erosion menace in Nnewi, the problem of housing in Nnewi, amongst many others; Nnewi has come to that moment in history when we must either pull together to reclaim our greatness or pull apart and accept our failures.

The first Nnewi political summit which is allegedly being organized by Nnewi professionals could have provided the platform for Ndi Nnewi to discuss, is currently plagued by many controversies.
The summit which is slated for Sunday the 26th of August 2018 at Anaedo Hall Nnewi, is expected to host many Nnewi politicians and stakeholders. The summit which is allegedly fronted by the former chairman of Anambra State Medical Association (NMA) Dr. Obi Nwosu, suffered a major setback after a recent press release by Nnewi professionals dissociating itself from the planned summit. The town Union government of Nnewi “Nzuko-Ora Nnewi” has also failed to endorse the summit.
It has been alleged that the summit is being funded by two aspirants (Names Withheld) contesting for Federal House of Representative and Anambra State House of Assembly positions. Lately, it has been also alleged that aspirants are being requested to pay a certain amount of money in order to get the opportunity to speak at the summit.

As it stands, it remains to be seen whether the summit tagged “Possessing our possession” will achieve its purpose.

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It has been repeatedly said that the greatest problem of Ndi Nnewi is the absence of unity and cohesion in charting a common course. It is regrettable but true that since the exit of Dr. Akwaeke Abyssinia Nwafor Orizu and Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, the leadership vacuum is yet to be filled.

A summit of all stakeholders devoid of political persuasion including the youths, women, clergy, traditional rulers, activists, traders and the rest remains fundamental to the progress of ndi Nnewi. We must come together to draw up a political plan in an open and neutral atmosphere that we will jointly agree to invest in and pursue.