Chief Nwatu Ugochukwu, Chairman of the Enugu Timber Market Union in Enugu South Local Government Area, has sounded the alarm about a conspiracy he claims is led by a group he refers to as “Cabals” aimed at destabilizing the market.
Chief Nwatu’s allegations come ahead of the upcoming election scheduled for November 6, 2024, which has sparked considerable controversy among union members.
A coalition of former secretaries, elders, and respected leaders within the Enugu Timber Union has accused this group of attempting to impose candidates in the election and violating a long-standing zoning agreement.
They also allege that the Chairman is introducing unfamiliar regulations for the election process and demand a fair playing field for all candidates, warning that any move to implement questionable guidelines and disenfranchise members could result in a crisis.
In response to these accusations, Chief Nwatu addressed journalists at the Union’s office, dismissing the claims as baseless and propagated by individuals facing scrutiny for alleged mismanagement of the union’s funds. He asserted that both the zoning agreement and the union’s constitution support his candidacy.
He noted that those making the allegations had submitted petitions against him to both the state and local governments, but he has defended his position, insisting he has not violated any laws in seeking re-election.
“These are individuals who have previously managed the affairs of this market. They’re discontented because peace has been restored since my arrival. They resent our investigation into their past activities and have threatened that the market will not experience tranquility if an audit continues.
“We are questioning them about the funds allocated to the market by the former administration and demanding clarification on an insurance package they supposedly established for our members. To date, only one member has benefited from the insurance, and we seek to understand the reason behind this.
“Regarding the upcoming election, our guiding document is our constitution, which, in Section 12, empowers me to run for a second term. The zoning agreement they reference was established with someone else, not me.”
In regards to claims of manipulating the membership process, Chief Nwatu maintained that “everything I have done aligns with our constitution. New members are timber dealers who are paying their fees directly into the union’s account, unlike before when funds were funneled into private accounts.”
He reported receiving multiple threats against his life, stating, “I fear for my safety, especially in light of recent events concerning the chairman of Ogbete Main Market, and I appeal to the appropriate authorities to consider my situation.”
When asked whether a zoning agreement existed that bound the members, he reiterated that the constitution, not any rotation agreement, would govern the decision-making.
Regarding the admission of new members shortly before the election, the Chairman asserted it was within his authority to do so, emphasizing, “The new members are paying their fees into the union’s account, not my personal account.”
Chief Felix Ozonwagu, the Chairman of the Patrons, echoed this sentiment, stating that the constitution, rather than the zoning agreement, would determine eligibility for candidacy.
He also claimed to be unaware of any potential crises brewing in the market.
“Our constitution is binding; anyone indebted to the association will not be allowed to participate in the election,” he stated.
On the question of zoning, he explained, “We have zoning, but we also do rotation. If you perform well, you can seek a second term.
“This Ugochukwu has served us well and wishes to run for a second term; we agree he has the right to do so, as permitted by our constitution.
“There will be candidates from both Ugochukwu’s camp and Nsukka; if Ugochukwu wins, it will mark his second tenure, but if the Nsukka candidate prevails, he will step aside,” he declared.
