In Enugu East Local Government Area of Enugu State, the Royal Fathers and political leaders convened a meeting to launch a power-sharing formula aimed at fostering political unity.
The gathering, organized by the Enugu East Traditional Rulers Council, included representatives from various political parties as well as academic and business leaders. Their main goal was to develop a power-sharing and rotation model designed to alleviate, if not completely eliminate, socio-political tension and discord during elections in the local government.
During the opening speech titled “A New Moon in Nike Land,” the Chairman of the Enugu East Traditional Rulers Council, HRH Igwe (Dr.) Emmanuel Ugwu, emphasized that the meeting aimed to create a new paradigm for harmony, peace, and unity while honoring the dignity of Nike Land through a newly formed entity called the Nike Indigenous Peoples Assembly (NIPA).
He stated, “My brothers and our elders, every day brings night. The beauty of the night depends on how the moon shines in the darkness and how the sun brightens the day. The New Moon has arrived. Let us release our past grievances and embrace the promise of this new moon.”
He urged participants to establish the Nike Indigenous Peoples Assembly Executive, which would unite politicians, professionals, academics, business leaders, royal fathers, and religious leaders in a collaborative effort for the benefit of future generations. He expressed his belief that once this assembly is fully formed, they would inaugurate the Nike Assembly House in the council.
The traditional rulers presented several proposals during the meeting to harmonize diverse political interests and create a lasting power-sharing formula that would satisfy all factions within the local government.
After thorough discussions, the stakeholders appointed a six-member technical committee to refine these proposals for broader acceptance and implementation. The committee, which has until September 26, 2024, to submit its report (with a possibility for an extension), is chaired by Hon. Sir Clement Okwor, a former Secretary to the State Government and Head of Service. Other members include Engr. Kingsley Anike, Rt. Hon. Dennis Agbo, Rev. Dr. Chijioke Okolo, Barr. Amaechi Nnamchi, and Sir Ikechukwu Okoh.
The committee is empowered to appoint its own secretary and is tasked with rephrasing the royal fathers’ ideology to create a resolution that aligns with the political norms in Enugu State, removes any inconsistencies with state laws, and incorporates ideas that promote unity, progress, peace, and prosperity in Nike Land.
Responding for the committee, Chairman Sir Clement Okwor thanked the royal fathers for their initiative, calling it a significant step toward establishing a structured power rotation in the area. “There have been numerous efforts in the past, but they often fade away. It appears that the slogan of our Governor, ‘tomorrow is here,’ is becoming a reality for us in Enugu East. This issue has long caused disruptions in our local government, leading to disenchantment among many residents who feel excluded. The wisdom of the traditional rulers has led them to propose this initiative.”
He expressed his honor at being chosen as the committee’s chair and his commitment to delivering a solution that would be widely accepted.
Pastor Beloved Dan-Anike, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chairmanship candidate for the upcoming local government election, also addressed the meeting. He thanked the traditional rulers for their efforts and promised to support the implementation of the final resolutions if elected. “The royal fathers have taken a significant first step by looking inward and considering measures that will promote social cohesion within Nike. Examining political positions and entitlements since 1979 will help foster peace, harmony, and development,” he remarked.
Other dignitaries at the meeting included, HRH Igwe (Barr) Julius Nnaji of Nike Uno; HRM Igwe (Dr.) Titus Okolo of Amorji Nike; HRH Igwe Felix Ugwu, Secretary of the Traditional Rulers Council (Enugu East LGA),l; representatives of various autonomous communities, Town Union Presidents General, House of Assembly members, former Secretary to the State Government, former House of Assembly members, former Commissioners, former Local Government Chairmen, political leaders and other notable stakeholders. Ends
