From Ijeoma Nwajiobi, Nnewi
Anambra security forces have prevented the people of Nnewi from entering the Regional headquarters of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) over the Monarch’s declaration of his stand on the 1997 Rotational Agreement, which according to them must be respected.
The solidarity march led by the Nzuko-Ora Nnewi PRO, Hon. Nzubechukwu James Ikebunwa and Hon. Amobi Okonkwo Anunuebe Nnewi on Monday, February 16, 2026 was fully attended by the people of Nnewi, though there was an attempt by the local vigilante group allegedly deployed by the Executive Chairman, Hon. Echezona Anazodo to scare off the demonstrators but was thwarted.
At the APGA office in Awka, the demonstrators were seen carrying placards with different inscriptions such as “Nnewi United Against Oppression”, “1997 Zoning Agreement must be respected “, “Respect Our ur Tradition, Respect the Zoning Agreement”, ” Nnewi Deserves a Fair Deal”, “Igwe Nnewi Champion of Nnewi ‘s Rights”, “Nnewi is not for Sale, stop the bully”, “Igwe is right stop oppression”, “No to Godfather Politics in Nnewi”, among others, to the Government House, Awka, but found the gates locked because of public holiday. They drove to the party state office to appeal to the ruling party to reconsider their steps and zone the local government Chairmanship position to Nnewichi in accordance with the zoning agreement but were stopped by the state actors from entering the state party office.
Hon.Amobi Okonkwo speaking to Newsmen shortly after their closed- door meeting with the State party Chairman, Mr. Ifeatu Obi-Okoye, Hon. Amobi Okonkwo said the State Chairman received them with high hopes.
Anunuebe described the march as a demonstration of the people’s dissatisfaction with the breach of trust by Hon. Echezona Anazodo and other selfish cabals, who seek to thwart the age-long established zoning agreement in Nnewi and disregarding Igwe Nnewi ‘s wise decision, urging the Governor, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo to maintain the agreement for peace and unity of the town.
He disclosed that as they proceeded to Awka for press briefing, four filled 18- seater buses were intercepted by the state actors , sent by the same cabals and forcefully escorted them back home in an attempt to frustrate the peaceful movement.
He condemned the unprofessional conduct of the local vigilante, Agunaechemba, sent by Hon. Echezona Anazodo, led by one Ngonadi, who came threatening the people of Nnewi with Ak 47 and dagger.
“This is an egregious affront to the fundamental human rights of the people.The boy should be properly guided” he urged.
He commended the professionalism displayed by the Nigerian Police and DSS officials in Nnewi, who according to him ensured that peace and order were maintained throughout the period they gathered at DCC.
“I salute the strength and courage of the people of Nnewi, who participated in the march, despite the challenges posed by the state actors.
“We remain resolute in our determination to save our town from selfish cabals that seek to mortgage the future of our children and those unborn” he assured.
Hon. Nzubechukwu Ikebunwa, the Nzuko-Ora Nnewi PRO who also joined Hon. Amobi Okonkwo to see the state party chairman condemned the stand of the Town Union over the rotational agreement issue.
“As one of the executives, we have not been called over this issue because of selfish reasons of majority of us” he disclosed.
As the PRO of the Nzuko-Ora, he promised to use his office to ensure that 1997 Rotational Agreement is respected and upheld.
“I am from Nnewichi, I am not vying for the Chairmanship position but it pains me that the right of my people to produce the next Mayor is about to be denied, that was why we embarked on this march” he revealed.