Appeal for calm in Igbo-Etiti as it is bigger than any individual or group

It is no longer news that Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area of Enugu State, a local government that prides itself as the manpower base of Enugu State is currently embroiled in conflict of sort that is capable of disturbing the fragile peace the people have enjoyed over time.

Recent happenings in the council show that the relationship between the Council Chairman, Dr. Eric Odo and some stakeholders including the Vice-Chairman, Bar. Chinasa Okagu-Nwabufo may be heading for the rock if not well contained.

The political consciousness of an average Igbo-Etiti man has never been in doubt, being the first Local council in Nsukka Cultural zone to produce a Regional Minister, Federal Minister, Executive Governor, National Chairman and Secretary of a ruling party, Deputy Governor, Speaker and Majority Leader of State Assembly is a testament to the political awareness of the people over time. The desire of the main political players to hold grip on the politics of this setting has never been in doubt. Most of them perhaps, are formidable politicians who understand the mileage of political influence within and outside the corridors of powers. To them, loyalty is everything in social engineering and reengineering as they don’t tolerate 99.9 per cent loyalty from anyone who has either graduated or is still learning the rope in their political academy. It’s either 100 per cent or nothing. Instructively, they also forgot that loyalty has its own limit in power politics.

Igbo Etiti, the political melting pot of Enugu State, is often in the spotlight for its political relevance and brinkmanship. Known for its resourcefulness, wealth, progressiveness and parade of experienced politicians, holds immense potential to shape not just the Nsukka Cultural Zone but also the broader Coal City political landscape. However, the political tension arising from major disagreement between the incumbent Chairman and some stakeholders, is casting a shadow over the Council’s future.

Among the allegations levelled against Odo were masterminding the suspension of councilor representing Idoha Ward, Val Atunya with the aim of controlling the gavel and silencing dissents in the legislative chamber. It was alleged that Odo is yet to fulfil his electoral promises during the campaigns and has been dictatorial and autocratic in his style of leadership since inception. This came to a height with the protest staged by some youth under the auspices of Nsukka Youths General Assembly demanding for accountability in the Local Government Council.

Although, media handlers of Odo have defended some of the allegations raised, it is instructive that Odo should go step ahead to shame the naysayers and prove them wrong by formally responding to the allegations in a formal way by stating the position of council. This will not only absorb him of all the accusations lined up against him, but bring that much needed sense of inclusivity, accountability and transparency upon them he anchored his campaign last year during the build to the council’s elections.

As a student of history and political organisms, the fact remains that while Odo and these gladiators lock horns in a battle for supremacy and political control, the possibility that the ordinary people would be left to contend with heavy challenges like inadequate welfare and infrastructure, insufficient healthcare, and insecurity which most development watchers agreed that Odo is improving on is there. Peace and stability are the bedrock of effective leadership and governance in every given society, and should Odo and these stakeholders do not resolve their differences soon, the people who voted them into office may begin to lose faith in their leadership and their political party and may cost the party Igbo-Etiti in 2027 polls.

There is also the need for Odo to carry all stakeholders along in the governance of the council for inclusivity’s sake. Over time, Igbo-Etiti has had a history of administrative issues fueled largely by the grievances of individuals, groups who feel marginalized in the scheme of things or left out of the Council’s goodies. Although, it has reduced in recent years, owing to some administrative acumen employed by some administrators in current time including Odo. Administrative instability remains a sensitive issue that can be reignited by bickering of any sort.

When political office holders engage in unhealthy rivalry for influence and power, it often nosedives to unnecessary conflicts that does nobody no good. The lingering mistrust between the council and these stakeholders could be exacerbated by a perception that the Council’s leadership is distracted or disunited. The last thing the good and hardworking people of Igbo-Etiti need now is political instability that will open old wounds and set back the council that is on the path of development and greatness.

For effective governance, Odo and these stakeholders must realize that leadership is not about personal egos. The people did not cast vote for a personality contest or popularity test; they voted for leaders who could deliver on their promises and improve their life aim. Both Odo and these men are great sons of Igbo-Etiti in their own right, who have done a lot for the council towards its development. They have their strengths and have contributed to the Council’s growth and transformation in different ways, but these strengths must be channeled towards a collective goal that benefits the people.

Odo as both Chief Executive and Chief Security Officer of the Council needs peace and stability to achieve high level concentration of mind and soul to fulfill his electoral promises. These stakeholders, as highly respected leaders of Igbo-Etiti should sheath their sword by sinking whatever differences they may have with Odo and support his administration with the aim of taking Igbo-Etiti to an enviable height that will guarantee good life for the people. As leaders who claim to sleep and wake up with the people of Igbo-Etiti in their minds, they should have the people’s interests at heart and be more invested in ensuring that their bequeaths are not one of division, disunity and conflict but of continued progress, peace and prosperity.

This is not the time for political shenanigans, mischief or maneuvering, but time for statesmanship, patriotism and selflessness. The people deserve better and the future of Igbo-Etiti must not be sacrificed on the altar of political egos.

Apart from Odo and these stakeholders, I also urge neutral political leaders, traditional and religious leaders, women and youth groups to step in and think on how best to resolve this conflict as it will be bad for Igbo-Etiti, the cradle of knowledge of Enugu State to wash its dirty linen in public. The repercussion will confront us head-on when this linen is hung and dried. They must play their part in ensuring that peace and stability are maintained and sustained. Political pundits have repeatedly avowed the role traditional rulers and civil society play on mediation of disputes between political gladiators. In times like these, their roles become even more crucial.

Igbo-Etiti Traditional rulers, with their high moral authority, can serve as mediators to broker peace between the two political camps. Groups and good spirited individuals, particularly those advocating for good governance and peaceful society, must rise to the occasion by holding the leaders accountable for their actions and decisions, making them to understand the implication of their actions and inactions to the smooth running of the council. Religious leaders, both Christians and traditional worshipers also, should raise a critical voice in calling for unity and reminding political leaders of their responsibilities to the people and their vow to Almighty God to serve with fear of God.

Igbo-Etiti is not just an ordinary council and should not be used as a political playground for some people to achieve their inordinate ambition or selfish ends. It is the Manpower base of Enugu State. Thousands of people reside in it specializing in different activities that shape the fortunes of humanity. it is home to a good number of intellectuals who have stamped their feet in the sands of time. Most of these activities need effective governance to thrive. Igbo-Etiti is an important asset to Enugu, and its stability should be a top priority for anyone in leadership.

The ongoing strains must be resolved through effective dialogue, humility, and a shared commitment to the peoples’ collective future. It is time to come together, converge on a round table, eyeball to eyeball, put ink in paper and take a collective position from the point of humanity and love. As the say that “When the power of love conquers the love for power, the world will no peace”. The leaders should not forget that the collective destiny of the people is in their hands to make or mar. Political tranquility must triumph as Igbo-Etiti is bigger than the aspiration of any individual or group.

If these gladiators truly love and care about the people, they must shun pettiness, sink aside their differences and work for the common good of the people who gave them the mandate to govern.

In essence, history will speak and score them by the impact they had made on the lives of the people they were elected to serve and not the political battles they fought.

May Igbo-Etiti triumph over political conflict and rise again as a council of wisdom, truth, and dignity.

Ochiaka Ugwu is the immediate past Secretary, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Abuja Council and can be reached at [email protected]