Ahead of the Enugu Timber Market Union election slated for November 6, there are indications of a looming crisis.
In a move to avert the trouble, a group made up of former chairmen, former secretaries, elders and leaders of thought in the Enugu Timber Union, New Era, Enugu South Local Government Area, addressed journalists in Enugu, warning against imposition of candidates and violation of an age-long zoning arrangement.
They called for a level playing field for every contestant, insisting that any move to introduce strange guidelines and disenfranchise anyone could lead to a crisis.
Those present at the press conference were Chief Vincent Onyia, former Chairman, Chief Benjamin Aniogbo, former Chairman, Chief Levi Obi, former Chairman, Chief Ndubuisi Nnamani, former Chairman, Chief Stanley Okenwa, former Secretary, among others.
“The main reason for this press briefing is to intimate the good people of Enugu state about the upcoming general elections in the union on the 6th November, 2024; and our resolve for a crisis free elections.
“We are not partisan and we are not supporting any candidate but only concerned about a peaceful conduct of the election in accordance with the constitution of Enugu Timber Union.
“We are calling on the chairman and the executives, patrons and trustees of Enugu Timber Union to conduct the election in accordance with the constitution of Enugu Timber Union without any addition or subtraction.
“We are calling for a level playing field for all the candidates to ensure a free and fair, peaceful and credible election on the day of the election,” they stated, while warning that a violation of the zoning formula and introduction of strange guidelines could spark a crisis.
Enquiries showed that the looming trouble in the market bothers on an agreement which has been in operation in the market for decades.
It was disclosed that the market leadership has been on a 6-year rotational basis between the three senatorial zones in the state.
Sources said in line with the said agreement, the incumbent chairman, Chief Nwatu Ugochukwu, who completed the 6-year period for Enugu East Senatorial zone, was supposed to give way for someone from Enugu North Senatorial zone.
Nwatu is standing as a candidate in the November 6 election.
When journalists reached out to him, he said his second term ambition was in line with the constitution of the Timber Union, which he said superseded whatever zoning agreement.
Asked whether there was any zoning agreement binding on the members, he insisted that the constitution and not any rotational agreement was the decider.
On the issue of admitting members a few days to the election, the Chairman said it was within his powers to do so, stressing that “the new members are paying money into the union’s account and not his personal account.”
The Chairman of the Patrons, Chief Felix Ozonwagu, also toed the same line, insisting that the constitution not the zoning agreement would decide who is qualified to stand for the election.
He also said he was not aware of any brewing crisis in the market.
“This our constitution is binding; anybody owing the association will not take part in the election,” he said.
On the zoning, he answered: “We have zoning but we don’t have zoning. We do rotation, but if you do well, you go for a second term.
“This Ugochukwu worked for us and he said he wants to seek a second term; we said yes, he has the right, because this constitution allowed him.
“He will come out, Nsukka person will come out, two of them will contest, if he (Ugochukwu) wins, it will be his second tenure, but if the Nsukka person wins, then he will step aside,” he declared.
Enugu Timber Market Union election: Leaders warn as crisis looms