By: Ijeoma Sandra, Nnewi.
The former Commander Operation Safe Haven Jos, Major General TC Ude (RTD) has called on the people of Nnewi to be united to fight insecurity in the community.
He made the call during the Nnewi People’s Forum (NPF) first historic summit held on Sunday,12 October, 2025 at the Anaedo Social Club Hall, Nnewi in Nnewi North Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The event had in attendance His Royal Highness Igwe Dr. Kenneth Orizu lll, Igwe Nnewi,been represented by the Crown Prince, Dr Obianaefo Charles Obi Orizu, Obi of Nnewichi, His Highness, Obi Onyekaba (Obidiugwu), the Convener,Chief Barr.Olisa Metuh(Akajiugo Nnewi), represented by Dr. Ikenna, the Chairman of the occasion,Chief Sir Benneth Etiaba,the NPF president, Sir Nnamdi Udeaja, Prof. Edwin Chukwuma, Prof. Gregy Obiamalu, Former Uruagu PG, Chief Charles Nwonye, the Labour Party Gubernatorial candidate for November 8 election, Chief George Moghalu, NNPP Governorship candidate, Col.Sir Prof.Geoffery Okwudili Onyejegbu,the DG of Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu-Uche Ekwunife Campaign Council for November 8 Gubernatorial election,Hon. Dozie Ikedife Jnr, among other dignitaries.
Nnewi People’s Forum according to the President,Sir Nnamdi Udeaja is a socio-cultural and developmental organization whose mission is to promote unity, cultural heritage and sustainable development of Nnewi through collective action, civic engagement and empowerment.
He further noted that the forum is committed to fostering peace, social responsible, economic growth and political inclusion by mobilizing Nnewi sons and daughters at home and in diaspora to contribute vitally to the town’s progress and the welfare of their people.
He appreciated the efforts of the conveners, the planning committee, NPF Executives, Chairman of the occasion, Resource persons, community leaders and all who shared in the vision of a greater Nnewi.
The keynote speaker, Major General TC Ude, who spoke extensively on the theme: Impact of Insecurity and Power Tussle on the Economic Growth of Nnewi, the Commercial Hub of Anambra State said NPF remained a wake up call for the people of Nnewi, who according to him has remained a mirage in the eyes of many.
He stated that security of lives and property should be the responsibility of every citizen, noting that cases of insecurity are on the rise in the country.
Major General Ude disclosed that power tussle,quest for autonomy and uncooperative attitude of politicians, professionals as well as captains of industries of Nnewi, that are currently inhibiting the economic growth of their town were all factors that gave rise to insecurity in the community.
He condemned the actions of his people, whom he alleged” don’t speak with one voice in the affairs of the state.
He showed his disapproval of his community, Nnewi failing to produce a democratically elected Governor in the history of Anambra despite their avalanche of professionals in various sphere of life as well as very successful businessmen and women.
He noted that the activities of unknown gunmen, kidnappers,robbers, political thugs, as well as the mandatory Monday sit-at- home order had weakened their industrial base.
He pointed out some of the causes of Insecurity in the community as: lack of synergy among the indigenes and various security agencies domicile in Nnewi, recruitment of people with questionable character into their various vigilante groups within Nnewi, lack of proper search/profiling of goods and other articulated vehicles that enter Nnewi especially during unholy hours, lack of proper profiling of gatemen and tenants by various landlords, epileptic power supply as well as unreasonable estimated bills by EEDC.
Major General Ude affirmatively said insecurity in Nnewi could be reduced through a collective and determined effort of the sons and daughters of the land.
He enumerated some of the possible solutions to insecurity in Nnewi as: establishment of genuine reconciliation committee comprising equal members of men and women with reputable character from the four quarters in Nnewi to deliberate and come up with a lasting solution that will put an end to the lingering quest for autonomy by some aggrieved quarters, establishment of a committee with the mandate of bringing all the professionals, politicians and captains of industries of Nnewi origin to a round table conference purposely to make them speak with one voice on the affairs of Anambra State, security network must be non partisan, both indigenes and non indigenes must imbibe the habit of reporting criminals and rejecting the culture of protecting offenders because of family ties.
To the Honourable Mayor of Nnewi North Local Government Area of Anambra State, Mayor Echezona Anazodo, Major General Ude charged him to check the excesses of those unscrupulous Local Government Staff, who find Nnewi a safe haven for their nefarious activities.
He further advised him to collaborate with Royal fathers to build greater synergy and inter- agency cooperation among various security agencies.
“Insecurity weakens the fabric of the society, bringing both economic, social and cultural quest of such society to a stand still.
“Every community in the country has its own share of security issue.Concerted efforts should be made to clear all forest that hitherto serve as a safe haven for criminals” he advised.
Others who spoke during the summit were: Prof. Gregy Obiamalu, Chief Barr.Olisa Metuh, represented by Dr Ikenna, Obi of Nnewichi, Obi Onyekaba, Prof. Edwin Chukwuma.