The Board of Trustees of Amichi Community Association, ACA, has urged all stakeholders in Amichi, Nnewi South LGA, Anambra State, to respect the rule of law and maintain peace as the High Court determines the leadership dispute in Amichi Town Union.
In a press conference on Thursday, the BOT said the community must not become a “battleground for the enforcement of competing claims” and appealed to all factions to allow judicial and constitutional processes to run their course.
Reading the statement, BOT Secretary, Mr. Innocent Onwuelu, said ACA, as a body duly registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission, remains committed to conducting community affairs within the ambit of the law and the Association’s constitution.
“The Board of Trustees has taken cognisance of the recent order of the High Court concerning the leadership dispute in Amichi. As responsible and law-abiding citizens, ACA unequivocally affirms its commitment to the rule of law and shall respect the order of the Honourable Court,” he stated.
The BOT specifically referenced the court’s directive for the _status quo ante bellum_ to be maintained pending the determination of the substantive suit.
In the interest of stability, the Board said it supports the continuation of the incumbent President, Chief Cletus Udebuani, in office pending the final determination of the matter.
“This position is not intended to prejudice the rights of any party before the court. Rather, it is informed by the need to preserve institutional continuity, prevent a leadership vacuum and ensure that the affairs of the community do not become paralysed while the judicial process runs its course,” the BOT explained.
Addressing concerns over a possible Caretaker Committee, ACA said peace and inclusiveness must guide any administrative arrangement.
“Should the appropriate government authority, acting within its lawful powers, determine that a Caretaker Committee is necessary, Amichi Community Association should be appropriately represented in such an arrangement,” the Board stated.
It added that such representation must reflect fairness, credibility and the broad interests of Amichi.
The BOT strongly discouraged inflammatory statements, threats, destruction of property, unauthorised meetings and the mobilisation of youths for confrontation.
“We particularly appeal to our youths not to allow themselves to be used as instruments of division. The future of Amichi belongs to them, and whatever we destroy today will ultimately be inherited by them tomorrow,” the statement said.
ACA pledged full support for the administration of Anambra State Governor, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, and called on government to continue engaging stakeholders in Amichi with fairness and transparency.
The Board also outlined an 7-point action plan for peace, including structured dialogue among stakeholders, support for lawful administrative mechanisms, and continued advocacy for development projects in roads, security, healthcare and education.
“Leadership positions are transient. Community institutions and the future of our children are permanent,” the BOT said.
“Our community requires roads, improved security, employment opportunities, healthcare, education, economic empowerment and environmental sanitation. No leadership dispute should be permitted to place these legitimate aspirations on hold.”
BOT’S RESOLUTIONS
The Board affirmed that:
1. It recognises and respects the authority of the courts and will abide by lawful orders.
2. It supports maintenance of the _status quo ante bellum_ as directed by the court.
3. It supports the tenure elongation of Chief Cletus Udebuani pending judicial determination.
4. It supports an inclusive Caretaker arrangement if lawfully constituted.
5. It rejects violence, intimidation and lawlessness.
6. It supports Gov. Soludo’s developmental vision.
7. It calls for unity, peace, reconciliation and sustainable development in Amichi.
The statement was signed by Chief Dom Nwobi, Mr. Josephat Ezike, Mr. Jude Nwankwo, Mr. Innocent Onwuelu, Chief Francis Okafor, Sir Chika Nwagbo, Sir Elo Abattam and Mr. Akachukwu Okoliowa.
The BOT concluded: “Let us allow the courts to determine the legal questions before them. Let us allow government to perform its constitutional responsibilities. Above all, let us give peace a chance.”
LONG LIVE AMICHI COMMUNITY!
LONG LIVE ANAMBRA STATE!
LONG LIVE THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA!