From David Onwuchekwa, Nnewi
Non-indigenes resident in Nnewi, Anambra State, women wing have made a special appeal to the traditional ruler of the community, His Royal Highness, Igwe Kenneth Orizu III to be considered for political representation and other things.
The women who gathered from the four quarters of Otolo, Umudim, Uruagu and Nnewichi under the leadership of Mrs Margaret Chukwuneke as Chairperson appealed to Igwe Orizu to see how non-indigenes living in Nnewi could be elected and appointed to political offices in the industrial community.
The women led to Igwe Orizu by the founder of of the non-indigenes assocuation, Chief Akubudike Ojinnaka said that there were educated people among them who were qualified to take up any elective position or political appointment in Nnewi.
“We have come to tap His Royal Highness’s wisdom and his longevity. At the same time we have come to seek his favour to consider non-indigenes for some positions in Nnewi as people who contribute to the development of the community.
“We would also like His Highness to help us appeal to Governor Charles Soludo to reduce the level of taxes keke (tricycle riders) and okada operators pay as these people are our husbands and relations who take care of us, ” said the Assistant Chairperson, Mrs Chinasa Onyeka who represented the Chairperson.
Responding, the Igwe told them that their demand would be looked looked into, adding that it is possible for a non-indigene to be a Councillor but declined to appeal to Governor Soludo for tax reduction.
Igwe Orizu argued that many Anambra residents evaded taxes which he noted did not allow Government to execute some projects.
“There are things I should not say. We are custodians of the people’s tradition. We have our limits.
“People no longer pay taxes these days like before. That doesn’t help governement to do its job, ” the Igwe told them.