On Saturday, 2nd of June, 2018 political stakeholders, leaders of thought, religious Leaders and eminent politicians across political parties assembled at MezDora Hotel in Umunya, Oyi Local Government Area, Anambra State for the Political Summit convened by the Oyi Leaders of thought chaired by Dr Peter Egenti. The Summit with the theme: Oyi/Ayamelum Federal Constituency, Zoning arrangement – Which Way Forward, was held in consideration of the need to explore ways of resolving the brewing political crisis in the zone. It was a veritable platform to discuss way forward and to develop Oyi into a stronger and more united and cohesive area.
Having x-rayed Oyi political structure, governance and developmental problems and listened to presentations of all the stakeholders from across the major towns of Oyi, it was unanimously agreed by the stakeholders that Ayamelum tenure at the Federal House of Representatives ends in 2019 based on the zoning arrangement reached in 2010. Oyi political Leaders of thoughts, Oyi Think Thank Group, and Critical stakeholders declared as follows. That Ndi Oyi concerned with the brewing political crisis in Oyi/Ayamelum Federal Constituency and its impact to communal peace, cohesion and quest for a strong and stable region, stated that the increasing challenge to the Federal Constituency by divisive tendencies of selfish politicians in Oyi can no longer be wished away.
It was evident that Ndi Ayamelum entered into agreement with Ndi Oyi prior to 2011 general elections where the political leaders of thought unanimously agreed on the zoning formular of 8 years term per zone. That it was based on this agreement that Hon Chizor of Ayamelum extraction was supported by ndi Oyi to represent the region at the Federal House of Rep in 2011. That after his 4years at the Green Chambers, ndi Ayamelum passed vote of no confidence in his style of representation and presented Barrister Onyenwife to replace Hon Chizor to complete Ayamelum's 8 years. That ndi Oyi had to accept the resolution of ndi Ayamelum hence the maximum support Barrister Onyenwife enjoyed during the 2015 general elections which saw him replacing the incumbent Hon Chizor. That Barrister Gabriel Onyenwife vowed and swore to heaven not to go for reelection after his 4year stay at the House of Representatives. He requested that he may be allowed to complete Ayamelum's termafter Hon Chizor's infamous outing.
The Stakeholders maintained that ndi Oyi had shown profound loyalty and commitment to the zoning arrangement. "This unalloyed commitment was borne out of collective interest, despite the great political potentials of Oyi. Ndi Oyi and Ayamelum are one and have related paternal origin. we must not allow one man's selfish interest to divide us. Over the years, Ayamelum have maintained a clean slate in their political dealings with Oyi" credited to Chief Obiora Oyi(Ape) former Chairman of Oyi LGA, an APC Stalwart.
It was observed that the incumbent House member Barrister Gabriel Onyenwife had declared to contest against Oyi aspirants. He threw caution in the wind, disregarded the susbsiting zoning arrangement and frowns seriously at any perceived stakeholders standing against his selfish ambition. This ndi Oyi have risen to invoke and reinstate the need to revisit the agreement that saw Barrister Onyenwife to Green Chambers ab initio.
OYI HEREBY DECLARED
"Our unalloyed support to the unity and oneness of Oyi/Ayamelum is not in doubt. We are, therefore, committed to building a united, peaceful and harmonious Federal Constituency, able to accommodate and cater for all her constituents,Ndi Oyi are therefore determined to tackle the challenges that have bedeviled the constituency’s quest for a stronger and more stable zone and to unlock her potentials". Dr Peter Egenti of APGA said.
"That in view of Oyi political history and peculiarity as a large Local Government Area, zoning of House of Representative"s position for Oyi/Ayamelum Federal Constituency remains a sure basis for the unity of the zone" posited by Chief Iloka, Chairman PDP Oyi.
All political parties in Oyi/Ayamelum have been urged to respect the zoning arrangement, it is the turn of Oyi to represent Oyi/Ayamelum Federal Constituency. "Ndi Oyi totally have resolved not to support any candidates or aspirants from Ayamelum in the forthcoming National Assembly election. And anyone who collects bribe from aspirants from Ayamelum in order to break the zoning arrangement should be ashamed of himself."said Chief Vincent Okafor, PDP Chieftain.
"That Ndi Oyi must strive to elect credible, visionary, selfless, prudent, intelligent and indefatigable representative to superintend credibly the affairs of our Federal Constituency , devoid of primordial interests and sentiments" said Bishop Dennis Isiuzo
"That there is urgent need to restore the foundations developed by our founding fathers to wit: patriotism and qualitative leadership; efficient and effective representation at the Green Chambers, we should consider Barister Onyenwife and allow him to go for another 4years, he may not have done well , I plead that we give him a second chance" Dr. Umeadi said
Ndi Oyi calledl on political parties to converse for and work hard to restore political party supremacy in our polity as that is the surest means to sustain democracy and to create effective insurance and safe guard against ascendency of the rule of impunity and dictatorship by those supposedly elected under the same platform.
In his goodwill message, His Lordship Bishop Dennis Isiuzo commended the convener of Oyi Political Summit Dr Peter Egenti for the visionary decision to establishing the Political Summit as a credible platform for Ndi Oyi for free flow of relevant governance ideas, their continuous interrogation through dialogue and for unhindered discussion of Oyi and its future.
Chief Osy Ilozue led the team that produced the communique where hundreds of signatures were obtained to authenticate the resolution that ndi Oyi cannot concede their turn to Ayamelum in 2019.
The high point of the event was when team of observers from Ayamelum led by a serving Hon. Commissioner for Trade and Commerce who registered satisfaction with the outcome of the summit and pledged support to Oyi's resolution to take their turn.
The former Ayamelum Local Government boss Chief Iteogwu urged ndi Oyi to stand up and take their turn. Saying that Ayamelum is strongly behind Hon Ekene Enefe of APGA and will render all the support he might need to succeed.
He concluded "we cannot struggle for power with ndi Oyi, we believe in the structure of power rotation, it is Oyi turn now. We have had our turn, ndi Oyi, there is no cause for alarm, we will go home and talk to our son Hon Onyenwife to respect the zoning arrangement for the future of Ayamelum. Let Oyi take their turn in 2019, and after 8years we will produce another House of Rep Candidate from Ayamelum."
Report from
Oyi Political Summit 2018
As compiled by
Comr Harris Chuma
Nzoputa is Real!
OYI TURN IS NOW!