Land grabbers, selfish interest hindering Nteje peace, development – Igwe-elect insists

By Cyprian Ebele, Onitsha

The Igwe-elect of Nteje community, Oyi Local Government area, Anambra State, Christopher Okechukwu Nnebo, has attributed incessant land grabbing, selfish interest, lack of human capital development, among others as factors militating against the rapid infrastructural development of the community.

Nnebo made this disclosure to newsmen while reacting to the alleged refusal of a handful of people who on a flimsy excuse, opposed to endorse his victory in a free, fair and credible election where he (Nnebo), scored 50 per cent  of the votes cast 

According to the Igwe elect, “As a matter of fact there is a constitution guiding Nteje community, and that is the constitution being followed all this while, that brought the emergence of Igwe Sammie Nnaemeka of Ezi Nteje, then came Igwe Rowland Odegbo, (Ikenga). It is the turn of Ifite Nteje. The communities that made up Nteje are, Ezi, Ikenga and Ifite,

“We are the third, being Ifite, everything was followed as required by the Constitution of Nteje because it is the guiding principle.

The elders of Ifite stood firm, saying it is the turn of Ifite Nteje, the process took a year plus to put things together.

“Some were kicking against it so that it will not happen because somebody believes he can always have his way. It went on until the election took place.

We were eight in number that contested, I got 50 per cent of the votes cast while others shared the other 50 per cent.

“It is a journey of doing it supposedly, it is the people that elect their leader not the government, the government only does certification.

We know that Igwe Odegbo started his reign during Governor Peter Obi to Obiano, I think his death was during the preparation of the election that brought Governor Soludo.

“He was accorded full right as Igwe Obodo, enjoyed all his entitlements to the end. He had a certificate, never revoked or withdrawn, so Ikenga had had their turn, people had to elect their leader, that is what brought my position today as Igwe- elect of Nteje,” he disclosed.

On his advice to those who  also opposed the reign of late Odegbo that he ought not have been enthroned as Nteje monarch despite being recognised and presented with a certificate of return by the state government, Nnebo stated that sometimes people can be misguided based on one’s interest.

“We have deeper issues around, serious infiltration of illicit sale of community land, but it will be amicably settled to attract infrastructural development to Nteje.

“I will run an inclusive government to embrace peace, because peace is immeasurable, peace brings development, love, and harmony.

The paramount thing is that Nteje must get to a level it deserves, all hands must be on deck, anybody with ideas, concerted efforts will take us to our desired destination as Ndi Nteje.

“There are a whole lot of factors that played out, there have been transactions, but it will be harmonized, nothing greater than dialogue no matter how difficult the situation is.

In the years back, similar situations have taken place in Nkpor, Ogidi, Onitsha. We can borrow ideas from the experiences they have to know how to manage ours, Nteje will not be an exception.

“We are full of ideas and experience, basic infrastructural development, hospital, human capital development is one of the key areas we must do something.

We don’t believe in talking but doing, In practical terms things you do will relate to the ideology I am known for, I will engage  the youths, I will teach you how to fish, not how to eat.

Nteje will rise again with the help of the likes of Activist Rev. Pastor Jude Achebe,” he assured.

In their various remarks, some cabinet members interviewed Linus Uchefuna and Ichie Eugene Abogu,   maintained that Nnebo from Ifite, has been elected and is now the Igwe-elect of Nteje. 

According to Uchefuna, “Ezi and Ikenga villages have taken their turns, it is now the turn of Ifite and Nnebo has been elected as our Igwe-elect.

So for some selfish individuals to say that the reign of late Odegbo that came from Ikenga was unlawful, have no proof of their claim.

“They should take it easy and stop linking personal hatred  they have on somebody for condemning their illegal activities on community issues that have to do with Igweship stool just to frustrate the development of Nteje.

“Late Igwe Odegbo was recognised by the government and was given a state burial when he joined his ancestors.

He reigned for about 11 years and received all entitlements as Igwe Nteje by the state government,” he stated 

Contributing, Ichie Eugene Ubogu, lamented that, ” Some people insist that if their position is not considered that they will frustrate the infrastructural development of Nteje and peace, it is wrong because they are not God.

“Such a thing also played out  when the community wanted to produce the President General of Nteje. Ifite Nteje has brought out Christopher Nnebo as the Igwe-elect and the entire people are happy over his election,” maintained.