By Our Correspondent
Some prominent stakeholders in Amichi community, Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra State, have rejected a recent publication credited to a group describing itself as “Concerned Citizens of Amichi (BOT),” which called on the Anambra State Government to reconsider its intervention in the administration of the community.
The stakeholders, who spoke on the development, said the publication does not represent the position of the people of Amichi, describing the group as an unrecognised body without a mandate from the wider Amichi community.
They maintained that Amichi is a peaceful and law-abiding community which respects constituted authority and has no intention of challenging the authority or powers of the Anambra State Government.
Among those who expressed their views were Chief Akai Egwuonwu (CEO Zara Stores Awka and CEO Anambra Rice); Chief Simon Okeke (Ochendo Amichi); Chief Emmanuel Umeohia (Ide Amichi); H.R.H. Dr. Ofobuike Alphonsus Ezeoke, Esq.(Igwe Amichi); Nze Oscar Egwuonwu (Ikenga Amichi), Chief Mrs Chiagozie Ezike-Umoren (Ijele Ifeadikanwanne Amichi), etc.
According to the stakeholders, the names contained in the Caretaker Committee authorised by the Anambra State Government for Amichi were the names recommended by Amichi stakeholders themselves.
They therefore described attempts to portray the constitution of the committee as an imposition on Amichi as misleading.
AMICHI STAKEHOLDERS RECOMMENDED THE CARETAKER COMMITTEE
The stakeholders explained that consultations were held among relevant stakeholders in the community before the names of the proposed members of the Caretaker Committee were presented to the State Government.
They said the Government’s eventual authorisation of the committee was therefore consistent with the recommendation made by the stakeholders.
They expressed appreciation to the Anambra State Government for listening to the people of Amichi and intervening to provide an administrative structure capable of maintaining peace and stability in the community.
WHO ARE THE SO-CALLED CONCERNED CITIZENS?
The stakeholders also questioned the identity and mandate of those behind the publication.
They said there is no recognised community organisation known as “Concerned Citizens of Amichi” that has been authorised by the people of Amichi to speak on their behalf.
They consequently warned against the practice of presenting the views of a group of individuals as the collective position of an entire community.
The stakeholders stressed that Amichi is made up of different quarters, families, traditional institutions and community stakeholders and that no individual or group should arrogate to itself the authority to speak for everybody.
STAKEHOLDERS CLARIFY UDEBUANI’S TENURE
The stakeholders further addressed the controversy surrounding the tenure of Mr. Udebuani, stating that the matter should not be presented as though the entire Amichi community was opposed to the State Government.
They disclosed that it was Amichi stakeholders themselves who advised the Anambra State Government to withdraw the elongation letter issued to Mr Udebuani, particularly in view of the subsisting court order and the fact that his tenure had already elapsed.
According to them, the advice was given in the interest of peace, legality and respect for the judicial process.
They said the stakeholders’ position was not an attempt to challenge the Government, but rather an effort to ensure that the Government’s actions remained consistent with the prevailing legal circumstances.
BOT SHOULD NOT DRAG AMICHI INTO CRISIS
The stakeholders also expressed concern over what they described as repeated attempts by the Board of Trustees (BOT) to create the impression that there is a confrontation between the Amichi community and the Anambra State Government.
They rejected such a narrative, insisting that Amichi is not at war with the State Government.
They said the people of Amichi recognise and respect constituted authority and are not challenging the powers of the Government to take administrative steps in the interest of peace and good governance.
The stakeholders further maintained that the BOT should not be allowed to present its position as the position of the entire Amichi community.
According to them, the existence of a Board of Trustees connected with the registration of an incorporated trustee does not automatically make the BOT the sole authority or representative of the entire Amichi community.
They urged the BOT and all other interested parties to respect the decision of the Government rather than creating unnecessary tension in the community.
AMICHI HAS NO PROBLEM WITH CARETAKER COMMITTEE
The stakeholders said the people of Amichi have no problem with the members of the Caretaker Committee and have accepted the Committee in good faith. Amichi community has expressed deep concern to work with the caretaker committee under the Chairmanship of Nze Celestine Umeohamadike Ezeani (Ezike Ugonnaya Amichi).
They appealed to all sons and daughters of Amichi to support peace and avoid statements capable of causing unnecessary division.
They noted that Amichi has a long-standing reputation as a peaceful community and should not be portrayed to the outside world as a community that is constantly in conflict with its government.
NO INDIVIDUAL OR GROUP IS BIGGER THAN AMICHI
The stakeholders emphasised that Amichi is bigger than any individual, association, BOT or pressure group.
They called for an end to what they described as attempts to create competing centres of authority within the community.
They also urged the people of Amichi to allow the Caretaker Committee to carry out its responsibilities while all outstanding legal issues are resolved through the appropriate channels.
The stakeholders maintained that what Amichi needs at this time is peace, unity, development and respect for constituted authority, rather than another round of avoidable disputes.
They expressed confidence that the present intervention by the Anambra State Government would help restore stability and create an atmosphere conducive to the continued development of the community.
Amichi belongs to all of us. No individual or group is bigger than Amichi. Let us preserve the peace of our community and work with the government for the progress and development of our people.
About Author
