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The truth about Owerri accord
In the wake of the terrorism unleashed on Anambra State between November 10 and 13 by a faction of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, Senate President Adolphus Wabara attributed the mayhem to the breakdown of the Owerri Peace Accord between Governor Chris Ngige of Anambra State and one of his erstwhile major backers, Chief Chris Uba, a young government contractor.
During the mayhem, scores of people lost their lives, all major government establishments in Awka and Onitsha were burnt and vehicles belonging to individuals and private organizations damaged, most beyond repairs.
The strained relations have resulted in the interminable crises which have been Anambra’s lot since especially last year. The high points of the crises have been the abduction on July 10 2003 of Gvernor Chris Ngige by a large detachment of policemen led by Ralph Ige, an Assistant Inspector General of Police, but clearly acting on Uba’s instruction; the infamous ruling in July 2003 by Justice Wilson Egbo-Egbo of the Federal High Court that Gov Ngige, having allegedly resigned from office, should make way for his erstwhile deputy, Dr Okey Udeh; the controversial judgment of Stanley Nnaji of the Enugu High Court instructing the Inspector general of police to remove Governor Ngige from office; the invasion of Anambra state between November 10 and 13 by 300 thugs brandishing assault rifles, cutlasses, dynamites and explosives; the assassination attempt on Governor Ngige; and the bombing of the governor’s residence.
What is the Owerri Accord? This is an agreement which Dr Ngige signed with Uba who is delighted in being addressed as the godfather of Anambra politics in order to bring about peace in the state.
The idea was initiated by Senate President Wabara, with Governor Achike Udenwa of Imo State serving as the chief host. It was signed on December 17, 2003. Among the key provisions are that the deputy governor would come from the Old Aguata Union (OAU) area; that Chief Uba would nominate three commissioners and one special adviser; and that Chief Uba should not interfere with the governance of the state.
Since the media have in the last few days been abuzz with claims and counter claims of violations of the Owerri Peace Accord which some people say are the reasons for the invasion of Anambra state by dangerously armed thugs for four days and the recent assassination attempt on Governor Ngige as well as the bombing of his residence, it would be nice to ask ourselves who really broke the agreement and who, in spite of everything, made a determined effort to not just to abide by it, but also save it?
The public must know the contents or provisions of the accord and how well each party has kept both the letter and spirit of the accord. Let us not be taken for a ride by selfish and greedy politicians who shout from the rooftop about violations of the peace agreement without informing the public which provisions have been disrespected grossly. Cheap claims do not serve any useful purpose.
Olisa Ubaezuonu Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.
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